After playing two cameos in girl-child centric shows, she has graduated to playing the lead in yet another girl-child centric show. 17 year old Shivshakti who was seen in shows like Uttaran and Balika Vadhu is now all set to debut as the lead in Star Plus’ Sabki Laadli Bebo.

With the spate of girl-child centric shows, new kid –on- the- block Shivshakti promises to deliver something unique with her show Sabki Laadli Bebo. All excited to do a prime time show Shivshakti shares her enthusiasm and exuberance with Tellychakkar.

You are a pampered child in this show. Is it the same in real life too?

Oh! I am pampered in real life too. I have two sisters one younger and the other older. All three of us are pampered by our parents and family.

You have a very unusual name?

My guruji named me. When Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati come together, that power is called Shivshakti.

You were seen in Uttaran and Balika Vadhu. How was your experience?

All of them were cameos and I enjoyed every bit of playing those characters. I never did negative roles so it was fun doing a negative role in Uttaran. My character of Champa in Balika Vadhu was also exciting.

How did you bag the lead role of Bebo in Sabki Laadli Bebo?

They called me for the audition which was followed by the look test and finally I was selected by the channel.

How did you groom yourself for this role?

It has been very easy. As I told you that this story is very similar to my real life so it has been like playing yourself.

How much do you relate to this show?

I can relate to this story as it is an uncanny resemblance to my real life. It was after 90 years that daughters were born in my paternal family. My father is proud of his three daughters and we too feel privileged about this fact. Because of this we are a pampered lot in the house. So you see this role is very similar.

How is it working with a seasoned actor like Kanwaljeet Singh?

It feels good and I get to learn new things everyday. We have a lot of masti when not shooting.

Weren’t you apprehensive of his seniority and seriousness?

Oh it’s nothing like this. He is not at all serious and with a stature like his, he has no airs. He is very down to earth. We all have fun together. He mingles with everyone on the show being indifferent to the age.

Are you taking any acting tips from him?

I feel that learning never ends. An actor keeps learning the nuances of acting till his career lasts and infact even post that. You learn new things everyday. So in a way I too am learning a great deal from him.

Tell us a bit about your background?

I hail from Delhi. It’s been three years that I am in Mumbai. I always wanted to become an actor.

How different is this role from the one you played in Uttaran?

Bebo is very different from that of my character in Uttaran. In Uttaran my character of Laali was a negative character. She wants Iccha and Tapasya to draw apart but realises it is not possible. But there is nothing negative in Laadli…

Does being on a prime time show add to the responsibility?

We sure have to do a lot of hard work. I just hope that we generate great TRPs. And along with that I hope that as I am a laadli of my parents I aspire to become the viewers’ laadli as well. I just hope the show is well received.

Aren’t you apprehensive about the comparisons you will draw with other child actors like Avika Gor in Balika Vadhu and Sparsh in Uttaran?

All the stories are different from each other. And it depends on the viewers who they end up liking. An actor can’t force himself or herself on the audiences. We can just give it our best and wait for the final verdict from the viewers.

What about your education?

I am in the 10th standard and preparing for my Boards.

So how do you manage studies along with acting?

My track has not started in full swing as yet. And they will relieve me during my exams.

We see our actors sacrifice education as they don’t get time.

It’s nothing like giving up your education. One needs to know the balancing act. You have to manage time accordingly. It also differs from person to person. If for you education is important you would complete it at any cost. Let’s see how I manage it.

What interests you apart from acting?

I love talking over the phone. I also love to surf the net and chat.

You seem to be very religious.

I am very religious. Infact my mother is far more religious than I am.

Do you miss the life of a normal 16 year old?

No, as I told you its like home here. I am pampered by the entire cast and crew. They get me whatever I want. It doesn’t feel that I am not living my natural life.

How much have your parents supported you?

They have supported me throughout. Either my mom or my dad accompanies me to the shoot. Without their support I don’t think I would be able to reach anywhere.

Is there any dream role?

At this point of time I can’t think of anything. I am just too excited to play the lead character of Bebo in Sabki Laadli Bebo and that too on Star Plus. It’s anybody’s dream role and a launch-pad.

What kind of treatment do you get from your friends?

When I go to school I behave like any other normal kid so there is no starry treatment. They are just curious about my work. They all love me in school as well.