‘I WANT TO CREATE A BRAND FOR MYSELF’
Back on the tube with a new role, Nia Sharma, who turned down many TV shows in the recent past, says she wants to focus only on performanceoriented characters
Nia Sharma is on cloud nine about her new role in an ongoing show. The Jamai Raja actor has done it all from TV soaps, reality shows (Khatron Ke Khiladi) and web series (Twisted), but she says that she was looking for something exciting in her career. Therefore, she is glad to have landed this new part. In an interview, she talks about doing films, her career strategy and love life.
What was it about this project that spoke to you?
I decided to take up this role almost overnight. I met the producers and the role they offered was fantastic. The next day we started shooting promos, and within a few days, I was on air. I was happy that I wasn’t replacing anybody or doing a cameo, instead it is a full-fledged lead. What I love about this project is that the producers were very particular about wanting me in the show, and that felt nice. Usually, when you sign a show, it takes two to three months to set up and cast others and if you are lucky, in six months, your show is on air. But this was the quickest I have ever gone from signing the show to it going on air (laughs).
You have done daily soaps, reality shows as well as shows on the web. Careerwise, what’s your head space like right now?
My only concern is to do performance-oriented roles. Looking good on screen or being an eye candy in a show isn’t that important and I realised that after Jamai Raja. I have refused huge amounts of money, turned down daily soaps, and music and reality shows because I was unhappy with the offers. I have sacrificed a lot (of money) and though the decision was tough, at times. I knew what I wanted to do and stood by my decision. After the love I got for my role in Jamai Raja, I knew I wanted to take that forward and create a brand for myself. Maybe I can make a lot of money doing shows where I hardly do anything substantial, but that is not my goal in life. It is not an easy decision to make but I have taken it.
Are films on your mind?
Yes, and I have been offered many film projects but nothing that would make a difference to my career. In fact, I was in talks with somebody for a [horror] film which would start in October. But in films, once you shoot, it takes a year at times for the film to release and then horror as a genre is tricky. I don’t want to do movies for the sake of it.
Why do you refrain from talking about your personal life?
I will talk about my love life only when I want to make it official and not before that (laughs).