Farnaz Shetty is glad that her decision to take up the challenge of replacing Neha Saxena in &TV show, Siddhivinayak, has succeeded. “We have just finished one year and continue to go strong. I would credit our engaging story and an experienced team (producer, Prashant Bhatt) for our success. It is no mean task to last so long in an atmosphere where shows are shutting down left, right and centre in the matter of a few months.”
The current track, where Siddhi and Vinayak (Nitin Goswami) are separated and moving towards divorce, is doing quite well, and the channel is happy. We are holding our own in the face of stiff competition from Big Boss etc.” says Farnaz, who was first noticed with Ek Veer Ki Ardaas…Veera and Waaris. She has also done a couple of interesting small budget flicks, which will soon hit the theatres.
“At first, I was not sure of taking this project. Many people warned me against entering a running show and also replacing someone, for had things gone south, I would have been left holding the sack.”
“But something inside me told me to go ahead as I liked the narration. And yes, as I said above, we have a great team. We all are working very hard to keep our audiences engaged for a long time to come.”
Coming to her co-stars, she says, “I have a healthy professional rapport with all. But yes, I am closest to Utkarsha Naik (main vamp, Manjiri Kundra), who is not only a highly talented senior but a superb lady as well.”
Looking ahead, Farnaz now wants to experiment with web series and performance-oriented films. “I want to break the notion that TV actors have limited creative repertoires. Having said that, when it comes to digital, my family values will not let me take the normal bold route.
“I am already working to enhance my various performing arts skills, which will hold me in good stead when I make the big shift. However, I am in no hurry, for my first priority is my current project and I will do nothing to upset the applecart.”
“TV has made me who I am; I will forever be thankful to this medium and will always be around. Unlike other leads, all my tube roles have been different so far, for e.g., I played a boy in Waris.”