Shweta Gulati, best known for her role as Tia, in Remix, gets candid about her role in Jhumroo, a new musical theatre at the Kingdom of Dreams; and her stay in the City.
Q. How did you get the Jhumroo project? Have you ever performed at any theatre shows?
A. I have been on television for over 10 years. I gave an audition in Mumbai, and then the team called me here. I have performed on stage during my college days, but haven't had any formal training. Honestly speaking, moving to Gurgaon was a big decision. The City is completely new to me. But now, after spending around nine months here, and performing in the Kingdom of Dreams, I am glad that I moved in here.
Q. What sort of training did you get for Jhumroo?
A. The entire team of Jhumroo has gone through rigorous training sessions. From the workout session in the morning, to dancing and acting sessions in the evening, and then again dance training at night, we all have worked really hard. Specialised trainers were invited from abroad, to train the team for aerial shots and various stunts.
Q. Do you think, you were made for the role of "Meena"?
A. Yes, the character of Meena is quite like me. She is a sweet, simple girl who works at an Ad Agency in Mumbai, and has a sense of humour. She is liked by everybody in her office. A certain charm and exuberance, her instant attention all around. She is fascinated by reality shows, and loves watching them on television. So does Shweta (smiles).
Q. Does your character have to sing and dance?
A. Of course it involves dancing. Choreographers from abroad were called to train the entire team of Jhumroo. However, I can't sing.
Q. How would you compare Zangoora with Jhumroo?
A. Both are different genres altogether. Zangoora is a fictional work, while Jhumroo is very real. People can easily relate to the characters of Jhumroo. It is a story that not only promises a good laugh and a happy experience, but also surprises everyone with its twists and turns.
Q. Does the show resemble Kishore da's famous movie, "Jhumroo"?
A. No. It is a different story, in which Kishore Da helps Bholenath Tripathi aka Bhola – who can't sing, but dreams of being a singing idol, to impress his love Meena. The entire show gives a feel of Kishore Da, with the usage of words like "Baangdu" and "Gadhau". Also, the audience sing and sway with classic Kishore Kumar melodies – like "Om shanti om", "Pag ghungroo", "Saamne ye kaun aaya", and "Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi si", to name a few.
Q. Have you ever had any embarrassing moments on stage?
A. Yes, there have been a few. In a song, "Jane Jaan", an actor had to pull me onto the stage. But my leg got entangled, and I fell down. It was quite embarrassing.
Q. Is Jhumroo a nice change from Saas-Bahu serials?
A. Well, working in a live show is, obviously, more challenging than a TV serial. There is no retake here, and we have to present our best every time. As of now, I am not looking at performing in any daily soap, because this requires 25-26 days of work in a month. But once I settle down, I can take up weekly shows.
Q. How has been your experience in Gurgaon?
A. Gurgaon is a clean and green city. Roads are wide and spacious here, as compared to Mumbai. I enjoy driving in the City, especially from my home to the Galleria market, which is one of my favourite hang-out places.
Q. How about the people of Gurgaon?
A. People are very kind and welcoming. So far, I have been freely moving in and around the City, shopping and having fun. Though I don't have any relatives and friends here, I am enjoying my stay in Gurgaon.
Q. What about family?
A. I miss my family a lot.
Earlier, I used to visit Mumbai once or twice a week. But as the show has kicked off, I have not been to Mumbai even once, in the past one and ahalf months.
Shweta's Favourites
Theatre Artist: Naseeruddin Shah
Pastime: I am a movie buff. I love watching romantic movies.
Movie: Some of my favourites are, "A Beautiful Mind", "Pretty Woman", and "Closure".
Sport: Soccer
Cuisine: Street food, especially Paani Puri – which in Gurgaon is called "Gol Gappa". Also love Chaat Papri from Haldirams.
Restaurant: Coriander Leaf and Pind Balluchi
Night-out Destination:Love visiting Striker pub.
Shopping Destination:Ambience Mall
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