Kratika Sengar, a simple girl who came to Mumbai to fulfill her dreams through completing her ad projects and got into small screen industry by chance. After essaying the brave Jhansi Ki Rani in Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani Jhansi Ki Rani, the actress will now be seen in a show on Zee TV. Kratika in an interview shares her experiences in the industry, her new show Punar Vivah and much more.

So let's take a look…

After essaying Rani Laxmi Bai, you are back again in a simple, normal character. Why did you take this role?

Yes, I was always seen riding a horse or fighting the British with a sword in my earlier role as Jhansi. But my role in Punar Vivah is that of a normal lady Aarti. No normal actor gets to essay such a prominent and courageous role and that was the reason why I took up Jhansi Ki Rani. As an actor, we have to take up challenges and only then are we recognized through our performance. Same monotonous roles don't make someone an actor. It might make the character popular but as an actor the growth is zilch. So both the experiences are different for me.

What challenges do you found in this role?

Well, as the story suggests, two strange people, who are already married once and have kids, agree to remarry for their family. I believe this is challenging for those two characters of Yash (Gurmeet Choudhary) and Aarti. As actors we have a responsibility of portraying these two characters well so as to convince the audience to accept them. Therefore, it becomes challenging as to how naturally we can execute the feelings of someone who is already married and is now getting into a new relationship.

What is your take on remarriage?

My take on remarriage is very much positive, Just as the people in this industry say that the show must go on, I believe that we live only once and that there is no use of crying on something we can't control.Though it's very hard to actually do it but I suggest that one should move in his or her life or else they would miss out on so many things. And I believe on the saying, which is very important in today's world that, one should move on. We are already in the 21st century and have moved forward in our thinking. So remarriage for me is very positive.


What kept you busy in the break once Jhansi Ki Rani got over?

Actually, our shoot for Jhansi Ki Rani was not in Mumbai. It was shot in the outskirts of Karjat so perpetually; I used to stay in Karjat only. My kitchen, my house, everything was in Karjat and in the meantime I missed out on a lot of things. I have broken my social circle in Mumbai.I haven't met parents and my cousins for long. I have missed out on one of my close cousin's wedding. So in these 6 months I was just catching up with my friends, Meeting people, roaming here and having fun.


Will Aarti and Yash fall for each other?

That's what the show is about. They come together not because they love each other but just because their kids need parents. Initially, both will obviously feel awkward as they are still in love with their respective husband and wife. But eventually circumstances and bonding would bring them together. Kids too, initially would not accept their new parents but things will get sorted out the time.


Do you think the concept is somewhat similar to Colors' Na Bole Tum Na
Maine Kuch Kaha?

Well, it might be a mere coincidence but nonetheless, a tough competition!


How is your rapport with your co-actor Gurmeet?

He is a very positive and nice guy. His wife is very nice as I have met her and we are friends now.I know he has a crazy female fan following.


Tell something about your character in this show?

Aarti is a very positive and simple girl. She is a housewife and loves her in-laws a lot and that's the reason why they are getting me married to someone else when their own son leaves me alone. They never take his side and treat me as their own child. She takes life as it comes. She cries, she feels bad when her husband leaves her alone and goes but she never lets out her pain in front of her in-laws.


Will her husband come back in her life?

The past has to return as I've now hurt his ego. He comes back to counter question
me about my remarriage.


Tell us something about your journey in the small screen industry?

Well, I've completed 5 years in this industry as I started my career with Kasautii Zindagii Kay, after which I did a few reality shows, followed by Jhansi and now Punar Vivah. I am so blessed to be in this industry and in this city. I came to Mumbai to just complete a project and one of my friends took me to an audition.


Any future projects lined up?

I live in the present. So right now my priority is Punar Vivah.

By Tejashree Bhopatkar