Astha Agarwal who had impressed one and all with her shudh Hindi-speaking dimwit bahu avatar in Kya Hal Mr Panchal, is all set to venture into fantasy space. She will be seen in the next episode of &TV fantasy show, Lal Ishq.
Says Astha Agarwal, “As per the plot, an owl man kidnaps and impregnates my character. But instead of giving birth to a baby, she lays an egg.”
“People seem to lap up such unreal stuff, courtesy high-end VFX. No wonder this genre sells like hot cakes.”
“It took me a number of narrations before I could get a hang of what and why. Also, being a serious actor, I need to get the gist and don’t just follow the given lines.”
“During shoot, I noted one discrepancy, which I immediately brought to the notice of the creative team. Had I wanted, I could have ignored it as that would have meant more days of shooting. They later thanked me for saving them big time blushes,” she adds.
“This episodic series offered me an opportunity to come out of the light-hearted genre and try heavy duty supernatural drama laced with love and betrayal. Also, I chicken out of watching any horror content. So maybe by doing it, I can conquer my fears.”
So can we see you next as the main daayan and chudail in an upcoming show? “No, I am not cut out for long-term association with this genre as it entails playing taxing negative emotions.” Prior to this, she had also done Kavach…Kaali Shaktiyon Se, “But my stint did not last long as I had to quit due to date issues.”
What next?
“I am now looking for juicy stuff beyond romance (Panchal), family drama (Sapne Suhune Ladakpan Ke) and now spook. Been there done that, you see.”
“Given my proficiency with the lingua franca of the nation, I am also flooded with several mythologies casting calls. But I have turned them down for they mostly involve shoots outside Mumbai.”
“I would also love to explore differentiated content in web series. However, its bold nature puts paid to my plans. Nudity and lovemaking scenes are a given out there, only the degree varies.”