Krishna never wanted to become an actress and was persuaded by all and sundry to accept the offer to play the lead Bhakti in Star Plus’ afternoon slot’s Hamari Devrani. The petite female who is surprised to know that the show is currently one of the top shows still has studies as her priority. The new bahu who has rocked the nation with her maiden show is still very much grounded and feels for all those females who live a similar life to that of Bhakti.

A religious and simple girl in real life Krishna sees her role model in her father. In an exclusive chat with Tellychakkar, she speaks about her passion, desire and her celebrity status.

Tell us about your background

I was extremely mischievous as a kid. I still am mischievous as for me mischief is a compulsion in life. I cannot remain quiet for long. I was in a boarding school in Mayo College Ajmer that was the first time I left my home. My brother was in Mayo College and the effect that had on him was extremely cool. Everyone felt that if I go there I would become more disciplined and independent. I am extremely attached to my family and so couldn’t stay there for long. So I came back here, and continued my studies. In my fifth standard I did my first ad for Savlon and in which Gautami Gadgil played my mother. But because of school and studies I didn’t really give it much importance. I also did an episodic in Kasautii Zindagi Kay as young Prerna. I did Karbon Kopy again for Balaji, which unfortunately didn’see the light of the day. After which I assisted director Homi Wadia for two years and now I am here into acting.

I have done my 11th and 12th in Science after which I took Psychology. Now I am an accounts and finance student. I have an older brother whose name is Agam and at the moment he is in M.P. He is with Taj and is a wild life photographer and a naturalist. I have also done commercial Gujarati theatre. I did just one play with Homi Wadia which was titled Chail Chabilo Gujarati.

Why didn’t you get into direction?

Oh! I would have loved to and I thought of getting into direction but I don’t know how this came in between. In fact even now if I get a chance to take up direction I would give anything for that.

How did you get spotted by Shobhana Desai for the role of Bhakti?

Homi Wadia’s assistant is acquainted to Shobhana Desai who informed her that she is looking for a girl who suits the lead character Bhakti. She happened to suggest my name to Shobhana. I then received a call from SDP (Shobhana Desai Productions) and went for the meeting totally unsure and unprepared as to what was in store. I was pretty sure that I would not be selected for the role. But Shobhana ji after the very first meeting was head-bound to take me for the role. It was something real big that happened overnight. I had my exams coming up during the same time so I was left in a fix. I refused to take up the offer as I am pretty serious about my studies and don’t want them to suffer at any cost. I want to go for higher studies abroad. I was in two minds and it took me two days to decide on taking up the project. My mother persuaded me to do the role. I was always in two minds about how I will manage my studies.

So what is happening to your studies now?

At the moment I am not attending college. Initially there will be no problems as my college has just reopened but I hope problems don’t brew up in the future. It does affect your studies but all I can say is that I have to keep studying harder. I just need to keep building up stamina to managing both studies and acting.

Did you always want to become an actress?

I never wanted to become an actress. It was just a hobby or a liking to be a part of the industry. I admit it feels great to see yourself on-screen but for me more tempting were my studies. I still desire to complete the degree I wish to and then having an organization of my own. I always wanted to become an entrepreneur. I used to do a lot of dramatics, choreographed a lot of fashion shows. I was pretty active in extra-curricular activities in college. I never ever imagined I would be doing a daily one day giving 16 hours of my day.

You were pushed a lot by your father to take up acting..

She was pushed by her father who himself is a folk dancer who has done Chanakya and Chitrakar. He is a very passionate and intense actor. He has been my biggest critic ever. He has started appreciating me with this serial and which makes me feel on top of the world. At one point of time I was so frustrated with his criticism that I told him I would not get into this field. But today I feel that criticism is necessary to hone an actor in you.

To cope up with the demanding profession it becomes tedious. How do you manage?

I am just going with the flow frankly I don’t know. To be honest I really don’t get the time to realise that I am enjoying. I will still try to get back with my studies and fulfill my dreams. I would want o outperform all the serials on Star Plus.

Weren’t you wary of the show airing in the afternoon slot as the TRPs are nto too fascinating in this time-slot?

For me time never mattered. Even if it was in the morning I wouldn’t have been bothered. When I get into something I give my 100% to it. Even if I have half a percent doubt I would not attempt it.

How did you prepare yourself for the character Bhakti?

I have done no preparations. Shobhana ji just briefed me about Bhakti that she is a loner ever since her father disowns her as her mother dies after giving birth to her. She has no friends so her nani (maternal grandmother) gives her Laddoo Gopal (Lord Krishna’s idol) that this is your nbest friend and will remain your best friend for the rest of your life. That’s it what I was briefed about. I have a habit of reading between the lines and improvising accordingly. Being a psychology student has helped me a lot. I know what one’s to convey and how. I just kept reading my lines and I didn’t have to mug them up. I read the screen-play first that’s when I get the gist of the whole thing and then I go through the dialogues. As the character unfolds it becomes very important for the person to understand every bit of the character she is going to essay.how to walk before before and after my marriage. She has told me how my body language should be and how my eyes and facial expressions should be.

How challenging is the role?

It is challenging but the previous play I did Sadhvi’s role. Here I am dressed up with a family growing but there every thing was taken care. My co-artist was to make the audience laugh and I had to make them cry immediately after his performance which I think was a tougher task. I always used to pray that God just make them give into my character.

How do you gel with your co-stars?

Initially there were issues and regular teasing sessions but gradually everything has become comfortable between all of us and we are like an extended family.

With all new faces didn’t you fear for the fate of the show?

I didn’t really wonder about the show as to how it will fare. I just walked all through this with just one aim to give in my hundred percent whether I get the desired results is not necessary. Atleast you will get what you deserve.

Why didn’t you get back with Balaji?

I have heard a lot of things against them. And also as I told you that I was never too keen on acting. Had it not been Shobhana ji who had persuaded me, I would not be doing the serial. This was by fluke.

How has the celebrity status changed you?

No it has not changed me at all. I can’t behave like a star or celeb. Even between the shots I prefer sitting on the floor rather than on a sofa and I do it. I am very much grounded as I was earlier.

What are your other hobbies?

I love to read and at the moment I am reading The Secret. I love dancing and I am passionate about painting. I was a swimmer and used to do a lot of horse-riding. I am crazy for dogs and I love them a lot. I can do anything for my friends and they are like my family