A hectic day, weather changes and a long press conference of her new show Ghulaam…when we met Niti Taylor, the otherwise bubblicious babe looked a tad low in energy. She has been working hard after all.

As they say, an actor never gets a day off. Though tired and worn out, Niti emitted a contagious spark that rubbed off on us too!

Looking resplendent in a multi-coloured salwar kameez, the actress settled down for an exclusive chat with Tellychakkar.com to talk about her journey in the industry.

After gaining fame for playing the lead on MTV’s Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan (KY2), she’s now set to rule TV with Life OK’s Ghulaam. Paired opposite another youth star Param Singh and the effervescent Vikkas Manaktala, the young girl is looking forward to her stint in the world of daily soaps. Excerpts from the conversation:

After KY2, what made you take up a daily like Ghulaam?

It is a different show and I am really looking forward to it. Yes, it has been quite a hectic schedule and there is a lot of pressure but I am enjoying it. The ethics and work culture is quite different from a youth show and I am getting into the groove. Thankfully, apart from an author-backed role, I have been blessed with a great cast and crew. This is going to be a great opportunity.

You replaced Disha Parmar in the show, what’s your take on the same?

I really do not have much idea about it and thus would refrain from commenting on the same. If I was replaced, it would be a heart-breaking moment for me, but each character demands specific detailing. They needed a younger girl…so I was roped in.

Niti is nowhere to be seen in the promos or poster, upset about it?

Aaaah, don’t even ask that (laughs). Yes, I did feel sad about it but that’s the marketing strategy of the team and I trust them completely. For all those who feel I am missing, well, the best is yet to come. In the daily starring, more male than female characters, I will be the bright spot.

Tell us more about your character Shivani…

She is a docile, shy girl who moves to Delhi to study and is alarmed by the congestion and crowd. She is always suspicious. And when one day she lands up in Beharampur, all hell breaks loose. How she manages to keep her stand in the crime capital would be fascinating to watch. The different shades and situations of Shivani attracted me to the role.

Ghulaam tells the tale of a place ruled by men. With so many crimes happening against the ladies in our country, do you feel women still have a long way to go?

Of course, I still feel we live in a society that is male-dominated. Women might have progressed and reached top positions but there are some people who still look down upon them. The recent incidents in Bangalore have shaken me up. It is disgusting and I think it all boils down to the upbringing of these miscreants. It is really sad.

You stay away from home and family, what keeps you going? Does being lonely scare you?

I am getting emotional as I answer this question. I really miss my family and after a hard day at work, you need someone to be with you to comfort you. My parents are my strength and they keep me going. I am a strong girl but I am scared to go out alone at night.

And how do you handle the controversies surrounding an actor’s life?

To tell you honestly, I try keeping away from social media to keep rumours and gossips at bay. And once in a while, when I just can’t handle it anymore…I react. Otherwise I just ignore it as I don’t want to fuel it further.

Tell us more about your bonding with your co-stars Vikkas and Param?

Param is kind of a serious person who keeps to himself. But we all have a blast on the sets. Vikkas is really cool and we kind of fight on who is the most favourite on the sets. I always win (giggles).

The show looks like a dark one, how do you manage to get out of the character once the camera stops rolling?

I feel blessed to have got the ability to swiftly move through reel and real. As soon as the camera stops rolling, I am Niti. I am a focussed actor and as intense a scene may be, I can easily jump off it.

And you are looking lovely in your new avatar...

Thank you so much, I really think I have been given a beautiful look. We have a great designer on board and I keep suggesting variations too. The creatives are also very supportive, and together as a team, we have pulled off a winner.

Niti, as an actor, do you completely give yourself to the director or do you contribute to your character?

We are lucky to have got a director who gives us complete liberty to perform our parts. He suggests and offers inputs, but allows us to completely sketch the character according to our imagination.

Finally, how do you think your fans will react to Ghulaam?

They will go crazy, trust me. The role is a wonderful one and the show will be definitely liked by one and all. All my fans who love watching me on screen will be pleased with this one.

We are sure about that. All the best, Niti!!