Actress Urvashi Sharma, best remembered for her role in Akshaye Khanna-starrer 'Naqaab' and a Ponds campaign, is back from a hiatus following marriage and motherhood with a new television soap titled 'Ek Maa Jo Laakhon Ke Liye Bani Amma'.
The bikini, which she once sported with spunk is gone, as has the waif-like waist. Here, she is middle-aged, powerful and a single mother to two children, abandoned by her husband. Inspired, say some, by the exceptional story of Mumbai's female don, Jenabai Daruwali, Amma's character is one of a messiah.
In a telephonic chat from Dubai, where she is holidaying with her two-year-old daughter, Samaira, who mid-interview interrupts her to demand a “ride in a chopper”, Urvashi speaks of returning to acting for the love of it (since “I don't need the money”).
Q. That you return to TV, not films — does that bother you?
A. Not at all. I am playing a strong character that every girl dreams of playing.
Q. Why the decision to play a de-glam character, given that you were known for your glamourous image and fab body?
A. I have done de-glam roles before, in Baabarr and Khatta Meetha.
Q. There's buzz that you have been trying to make it to television for long.
A. That's not true. I was modelling and acting when I was dating Sachiin (Joshi; husband). We married after a two-year live-in relationship. I continued to model for big brands. My first film was an Abbas Mastan movie; it was no small launch. I got married, had a baby and am happy with my life. Most people have been approaching me to produce a show, not act in one. I don't have to work for money; my husband has enough of it. I shop, travel, enjoy my time with family — that's all I need. Doing the show also meant staying away from home in Hyderabad. So it wasn't an easy choice to make. I took it up because the character was interesting and Sachiin understood my passion to act. After shooting for a week, I wondered what I have gotten myself into (laughs). Now I wake up every day at seven to ready for a 9 am shift. I will be shooting for 52 episodes.
Q. What preparation did you do for the role?
A. I was told it was the role a single mother to two kids. I didn't read up, or speak to anyone. As for the dialogue, body language, look and wardrobe, the producer has done all the homework. He gave me a director who tells me what to do, and I do it. My work is to reach set on time and be ready with my make-up on.
Q. What's it been like so far?
A. The reactions have been positive. Not just for me, but the director, DOP and co-actor Aman Verma too. And I am happy that people like me after all this time [away from screen].
Q. What was the biggest challenge you faced after deciding to return to act?
A. To stop shopping. I am not used to working so much. My husband has spoilt me. Even when I go to office, I do it at my own time, often at 2 pm.
Q. Which scene would you say was the toughest to do?
A. The one where my husband abandons me and I have to wail. To cry every day is difficult and strenuous. When you are a happy person, it's all the more difficult. I don't use glycerin so the trying to cry gives me a headache.