Shikha Singh the talented and versatile actress has been sensational in the role of Aliya in Zee TV’s long running and popular show Kumkum Bhagya.
Having been part of the Balaji Telefilms show for five long years now, Shikha has seen success and done it all!!
With the show taking a generation leap, Shikha has moulded well to the new generation story line.
Says Shikha, “The post leap story has been good so far. The beauty is that even though the show has taken a 20 years leap, our characters have not changed much. People who are at 40 or 45 years of age are still fit these days. And that is what we are shown as (smiles). In simple words, Kumkum Bhagya has taken a very today’s generation leap.”
Shikha feels good to be shooting with the new generation cast in the show. “Most of my scenes are with Naina Singh who plays Rhea. This is her first show, and she was nervous to begin with. However, she has picked up pretty fast. Actually I must compliment the casting here. It has been brilliantly done. It has been done so nicely that the girls do not have to act much. They are actually the characters they play. So it becomes easier for us as they do not have to put much effort. We look forward to shooting with them.”
Talking about her character transformation in these 20 years, Shikha states, “Things have changed quite a lot for Aliya in these years. She has gotten what she always wanted. She is now married to Purab, and has got a strong hold of the company. She is well-settled in the family. The only thing is that Rhea’s character is almost like the duplicate of Aliya. So Aliya is trying her best to channel Rhea in the same way that Aliya was in her younger days. Personally, I know Aliya is wrong, but professionally, this is what I am told to do (smiles).”
“Aliya is more emotional towards the family now. Earlier she was not attached to anyone except her brother. Now she is attached to Rhea and is concerned about Aryan. The whole essence of being in family was missing for Aliya earlier. And now she is part of the family. However, her ways have not changed yet, but she has become a part of the family now,” she adds talking about the variations in the character now.
When the leap was being considered, there was a talk of letting the character of Aliya go. However, when Aliya was brought into the new set up, Shikha was more than welcome to be part of it. “With the leap, the focus is now more on the younger generation. However, they wanted Aliya to be around. So I accepted to be part of the show, but got my extra dates released. Now I am looking for another show with addition to playing Aliya.”
Shikha who has had a wonderful career has featured in shows Uttaran, Na Aana Is Des Laado, Phulwa, Sasural Simar Ka, Mahabharat.
She would want to credit the entire team of Kumkum Bhagya for keeping the positive energy going within the team. “It is so wonderful to know that everyone of us looks forward to getting back on set for shoot even after five long years.”
Ask her about the expectations she has with the character, and she avers, “I don’t expect anything at all and I have always been like this. I only work on my side of the work and leave the rest to God. Also, it is team work that has brought in the success to Kumkum Bhagya.”
Last but not the least, ask Shikha what she has learned from her on-screen character and she says, “I have learned not to be like Aliya (smiles).”
Best of luck to you, Shikha!!
