Actress Sumbul Touqeer is going through her best phase as an actor with appreciations coming in abundance for her portrayal of the lead character in Star Plus and Gul Khan’s show Imlie.
Sumbul is certainly not new to acting, with her experiencing a good body of work as a child artist. However, Imlie is a big show for her as this is her first show in the lead role. Her very screen presence ignites our screens and makes us sit up and take notice of her.
In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Sumbul talks of her amazing Imlie journey.
Excerpts:
How is it playing the role of Imlie?
Playing the role of Imlie is something completely different. It is like playing my own nature on screen. I am bubbly, happy, fun-loving, full of naughtiness. Yes, there are few things that are very different in me from Imlie. But overall, it is a pleasure to play a part of you on screen. I feel grateful to be living this character.
How easy or tough was it to hold on to the dialect of Imlie which you have so very beautifully done?
Yes, it was very tough to get the dialect of the character right. I belong to MP, and this fictional character of Imlie belongs to UP. We had trainers to teach us the language. It took me time to get a stronghold on the dialect. But yes, I am happy that people appreciate me for my efforts now.
What are the hobbies of Sumbul?
I love dancing. Of course, I love acting and singing too. At times, I love to write poems and enjoy drawing too. When it comes to Sumbul, she is a great foodie. So I love to eat.
Who are your best friends on the set of Imlie?
I like to be in the company of Gashmeer and Mayuri Di. They are my best friends. Also Rituji I am very fond of. Rituji is like my mother, Mayuri Di is like my sister, and Gashmeer is my best friend. I love these three people and they are more than best friends to me.
How do you feel to be playing the lead now after being a child artist for years?
Yes, to be playing the lead in a TV show is a great feeling altogether. When the show is doing good and getting great numbers, there is so much to rejoice. I am blessed to be in the company of people who love me and care for me. My audience loves me a lot and has taken the show to the top. We will put in more effort to keep the audience entertained.
Who is the biggest prankster on the set of Imlie?
The biggest prankster is me and my onscreen father Indraneel Bhattacharya Sir. We are the best daughter-father duo. Together we are called ‘Nonsense Papa’ and ‘Nonsense Daughter’. When we call each other, we say this – Nonsense Daughter of Nonsense Papa (laughs). It is just amazing when we put up lame jokes and keep everyone entertained.
What comes naturally to you – comedy or emoting?
Well, when I read a scene, whether it is a comic scene or an emotional one, I feel from within. Touchwood, I have gotten all of the emotions naturally so far. I have not had to go the extra mile to work on my emotions.
What are your expectations from the show?
Our show Imlie has already surpassed all kinds of expectations and is doing really well. So there is nothing more to expect. I am just going with the flow. The only thing that I need to do is to work hard and better myself as an actor. It is a great feeling when we get good feedback. It only means that we need to work harder and maintain the success level.
You have earlier worked a lot as a child artist. Do you find any major change in the TV shoot ambiance now?
I was very small when I used to work as a child actor. I only know of the changes that happen in a TV show when compared to shooting a movie. Otherwise, I just love working. I love to connect with the good people I meet in this journey of mine as an actor.
How is it working with Gashmeer?
Working with Gashmeer is amazing. He is very good as an actor and is great as a person. I love him as an actor. We share a very special bond off-screen. We talk about movies and a lot of things. We have come up with great chemistry onscreen too. So it is sheer give and take between us when it comes to performance. It is fun shooting with him. I learn every day from my co-actors.
Your message to fans.
Imlie is getting good ratings and we are grateful to viewers. I am grateful to God for giving me this opportunity. We have an amazing team and all the hard work is visible now. We get motivated whenever we hit good numbers. I cannot express my gratitude towards fans. I will want them to shower more love towards us.
