Kolkata: Television actress Payel De is playing a Muslim character for the first time. She is playing the role of Rubina in Colors Bangla’s new show Jaahanara, which is a story of conflict between two aristocratic Muslim families. The actress said that she took the help of the internet and books to prepare for her role.

‘Studying articles on the internet, reading books, interacting with some people…I have done all these to prepare for my role,’ Payel said to the media at a recent press conference of the show, which was held in Kolkata.

Has she also taken the help of her Muslim friends? ‘I have many friends. But ours is a bit of a modern generation, so to know the culture of an orthodox family, I had to read books and do some research. Although you cannot prepare for a role by reading a book, but you definitely get an idea. Plus, Babuda always discusses with us on the sets.’

Emphasizing on the significance of discussion on the set, she further stated, ‘Discussion is very fruitful. By discussing things and exchanging knowledge, we get to know a lot (about their culture).’

Most of the actors of the show are non-Muslims. So what are they doing to maintain the authenticity of the show? The actress explained, ‘The text/script gets edited many times before reaching us. We get the perfect version.’

‘Being emotional actors, sometimes, we end up adding a line (to our dialogue), or sometimes, we frame our dialogue in a different way. But in this show, that is not possible. We are representing a culture. So, we have to keep in mind that our words do not hurt them,’ added Payel, who was earlier seen as a protagonist in soaps like Durga, Behula, and Bodhu Kon Alo Laaglo Chokhe.

(Also Read: If my audience accepts me in Tobu Mone Rekho, I will be lucky: Payel De)

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