Dimpy Mahajan, who became a household name overnight with her marriage to Rahul Mahajan, is back on the small screen. After a long hiatus, Dimpy will be seen playing the role of Naagin Jwala on Sahara One’s ‘Kahani Chandrakanta Ki’. Here’s Dimpy talking about her debut in television serial and life after marriage...
- Tell us about the role you play in ‘Kahani Chandrakanta Ki’ on Sahara One.
I’m playing Jwala, an ‘icchadhari naagin’. Naagin Jwala is a female serpent who plots a revenge on a daaku Mangal Singh for killing her beloved Naag Jeewan, a male serpent. The story revolves around Naagin Jwala and her quest to take revenge from daaku Mangal Singh.
- How did you bag this role?
Sunil Agnihotri (producer-director) is a common friend. He asked me if I would like to play the role and I said yes. I had taken a break after marriage and so I thought why not say yes if it’s an interesting role. I had never done anything in mythology before so I thought it would be a good experience for me. Moreover I’ve observed that actors who have played the role of Nagin have always been successful down the line… take for example Sridevi… there are many others too. So I thought, why not try my luck too!
This is the first fiction I am doing in Hindi, although I have played a number of roles in Bengali shows.
- Did you have to join any acting classes?
The time was too less for me to brush up my acting skills. I have a challenge though… I want to break the notion that Bengalis can’t speak in Hindi. Considering that this is mythology, the dialogues are sure going to be a challenge for me to deliver.
- Don’t you think mythological shows cater only to a niche audience?
I did not take up the role looking at audience. I believed it would be a great experience for me and to grow as an actor. However, I am also open to mainstream options…
- Tell us about the onset experience?
We were shooting in Mahabaleshwar recently, we had a great time there. My co-stars are extremely warm and friendly. They keep playing pranks on me all the time! Recently one of the guys on the sets came and gave me sweets saying its Sunil’s sir’s birthday, I began hogging on the sweets when he told me I should be wishing Sunil first. I said oh yes and ran towards Sunil sir, gave him a tight hug, wished him happy birthday and that’s when he blurts out – It’s not my birthday!
The show also has dance numbers so I have to keep running around the trees … It’s fun!
- How has life been since the reality show where you got married?
Life has been the same that every woman goes through after getting married. During the first year I didn’t realise that I was married. It was towards the end of the year that it struck me that I was married! It was a huge change for me... I coped up though …we had our ups and downs and now I am finally quite happy with myself.
- How did Rahul react to you playing this particular role?
Rahul was always eager that I start working, he has always been encouraging. I was not very comfortable to start working immediately because it was a huge change for me - to leave my friends, family. I had never lived out of Calcutta without my parents…I took my time and glad I did that.
- Tell us a bit about the chemistry you and Rahul share?
We are very much alike as we are both born on the same day, we think the same thing. We may do different things but have the same thought process behind it. On days that we are free we watch movies, party, go for dinner or take our dog out for picnic…
- Would you be interested in participating in other reality shows? Or are you done with them?
If there is something interesting, then why not?
- No more modelling assignments?
I started my career as a model … but no, I haven’t done any in Mumbai. I would love to do modelling if anything interesting comes up.
- What excites you more, reality shows or acting on tele-show?
I think fiction does excite me more… I have the freedom to be more creative.
Reality is about how you are.