At a time when one failure seals the career of many an actor, talented Shivani Tomar survives to fight another day. After the initial hiccups–in Kasam, she was replaced by Kratika Sengar and Is Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 3 shut shop quickly– she has bagged yet another untitled show opposite Rahul Sharma, for &TV.
“Can’t say much about my new show, except that I am playing a martial arts expert who helps others gladly. It is very important for girls today to be able to defend themselves in the face of rising crimes. I am glad that I am getting some self-defense lessons while I’m shooting.”
Talking about her past, she quips, “I have had my downfalls. But then you learn from them, girdle up and move on; ‘ slow and steady wins the race’ is my mantra. I am glad that other producers also acknowledge my hard work and keep offering me work. When this new show came my way, I immediately said yes, for I have worked with Shashi Sumeet before, and they are great people to associate with. I want to work with all channels, irrespective of which one rocks the GRP hustings.”
Ask her what went wrong with Iss Pyaar Ko 3, and she says, “I guess, a number of factors. The antipathy of IPK 1 fans, who were not ready to accept Barun Sobti with anyone else apart from Sanaya Irani, was there from the start. This was coupled by other factors such as changes in script, etc. I personally feel that they should have given the show some more time to find its feet.”
Going on about fan feedback, she smiles, “Something similar happened with Kasam as well, when fans were just not ready to see Sharad with anyone other than Kratika. I was accused of being a summary replacer, though, technically, that was not the case in IPK 1, but then the franchise was there. I have borne the brunt; some of them really get personal. In fact, I was warned about the same by both Gul ma’am (producer Gul Khan) and Barun. At first, we took it in our stride, but later, it did rankle a bit.”
“In closing, I would just say one thing to fans who really love me-understand that replacements are a part and parcel of our industry and they need to accept them. Tomorrow, I might also be replaced; I hope my fans keep their dignity then.”
Well said, Shivani.