‘What matters is the story and the way it is told’

With a number of mythological shows on air, audiences have a big list to choose from.

One such show that went on air of late narrates the untold story of goddess Vaishnodevi. The star cast of the show, including Ishita Ganguly and Madhirakshi Mundle, were in the city to promote the daily soap. Ganguly, who was seen in ‘Shastri Sisters,’ ‘Vikram Betaal Ki Rahasya Gatha,’ ‘Prithvi Vallabh’ and many more, feels that it’s your hard work at the end of the day that matters and not the genre you are working in. “For me, the story and the way it is being told matter. Rest is very secondary for me. All my shows are proof of that, because for me if a story is interesting and the method of storytelling is appealing, I have to say yes. It doesn’t matter what genre it is.”

Agreeing to the fact that one does get image bound, she said, “Yes the audience does put the actors in brackets but at the same time we do get continuous opportunities to experiment and break those boundaries. Like I did by taking up a very contemporary show ‘Shashtri sisters’ and also a supernatural show like ‘Vikram Betaal... So it solely depends on the actors to set those boundaries and break them too at the right time.”

Talking about her ongoing show, ‘Jag Jaanani Maa Vaishnodevi – Kahani Matarani Ki’on Star Bharat, she said, “When I was offered the role of Maa Kali, I was elated as I have been her devotee since childhood. The first thought that struck me was, ‘See how life comes to a full circle’. But as I started to shoot I realised it was definitely not easy to play such role as it was challenging as well as fulfilling at the same time. Every day I have to give two hours to make up as the process is long because dressing up like goddess Kali is actually a tough call. I have to go for blue body paint and then make up and dressing. But that’s the beauty of such shows where you get to be something that you can never think of.”

Being a child artiste, Ganguly has done a number of Bangla shows along with a feature film ‘Rescue’ that released in 2019 along with a special appearance in ‘Meri Pyaari Bindu’. “As I said, for me genre, platforms --be it OTT or films -- are secondary and I take up work only because of its strong storyline. And this I will continue in the future too.”

This was Ganguly’s third visit to the city, “I have been really lucky to be in Lucknow yet again and being a non vegetarian I love the food here. I shopped like a shopaholic last time and I am going to repeat it again for sure.”

Accomapying Ganguly was actor Madhirakshi Mundle who was last seen in ‘Siya ke Ram’ where she played Sita. In her ongoing show, she plays goddess Lakshmi.

HT PHOTO Madhirakshi Mundle and Ishita Ganguly in Lucknow