Melissa Pais is undoubtedly one of the most talented and versatile actresses that we have had in the Indian entertainment industry. Some of the most successful shows that she has been a part of so far are Comedy Circus, FIR, Bhootwala Serial, Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo, Golmaal Hai Bhai Sab Golmaal Hai, & many more. Although extremely versatile as an actress, her connection with the comedy genre seems to be absolutely unbelievable and no wonder she’s killed it every time in all these big shows. Melissa gets involved in a fun conversation with IWMBuzz. Read to know more
What’s this very successful relationship of yours with the comedy genre? Tell us more on it…
Well, it’s quite funny because I actually started my career with a negative role. After that, Miley Jab Hum Tum happened and it was quite different from what I did. Initially, I had done a few episodics in FIR and hence when my friend and director Shashank Bali asked me to come and audition for Bhootwala serial saying it’s a comedy, I was initially very apprehensive because I had never done comedy earlier and had done negative roles. But he had complete faith in me and his belief made me do it even more. So, Bhootwala Serial has to be my first comedy show and it was so much fun. After that, I got called for Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo and from there, Comedy Circus happened. (chuckles)To be honest, I don’t think I am the best in terms of comedy but yeah, it did open new doors for me
Not just acting, you seem to be fantastic in the art of belly dancing as well and the appreciation on social media speaks for itself. Belly dancing is a very difficult form of art. How did you master it?
Well, dancing and music have always been my passion. As far as belly dancing is concerned, when I first saw Shakira do it, I was literally and wanted to learn this art. So whenever I used to get an opportunity, I used to see and try to copy her. (Laughs) Shakira is my first inspiration for belly dancing. Yes, it is a very difficult form but I feel that if one has a passion for something, he or she can accomplish anything. So that’s how belly dancing happened for me. After that, I did belly dancing in Comedy Circus as well. There was a time when people thought I was only about dancing and moving my body. It didn’t go very well with me. So I decided to put on weight on purpose and after that, I did get shows like Chidiya Ghar and Pritam Pyaare Aur Woh. Now, I was considered a good actor but I had put on weight. So I realized whatever you do, people will talk anyway. My only advice to everyone would be to do what they feel is right and what their heart says. Ignore what the world says.
If you had to pick one show as your favourite and closest to your heart out of all the shows you did, which one would you select and why?
Honestly, every single show that I have done is extremely close to my heart. Whatever I have done till now, it’s been a dream come true. In every show, I have learnt something or the other. But yes, Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo is extremely special. Even after 12 years, the team and cast, they are in touch with each other. We have a very close bonding. We have a WhatsApp group that is still alive. (chuckles). So this is one show which is very close to my heart and I really miss it. Also, I must add that the last show I did called ‘Har Shaakh Pe Ullu Baitha Hai’ on Star Plus, it is one of the most difficult shows I have done. The language was very difficult but my producer had shown faith in me. But it made me realize that I like taking risks. That show is also extremely special to me. It’s difficult to pick one or two but these two shows have helped me grow as a person.
Lastly, what are the things you would want to work in next? Anything interesting in mind which you would like to share?
Well, my last show was in 2018 and I had taken a bit of a break in 2019. I decided to travel as much as I can around the world and I did that happily. I thought I would be back in 2020 but then unfortunately Covid-19 happened. As far as what I want to do is concerned, I am very open as an actor. It is my passion so whatever comes my way, I would want to go ahead with it. But having started my career with negative roles and having done comedy quite a lot, I guess I am only left with emotional and serious kind of roles. So I would want to do something like that ideally. I have been getting these web series offers but I am kind of not very comfortable personally to do bold scenes. I don’t judge the ones who do it because some of them are really aesthetically done. But I am personally not comfortable. So I hope that something good comes my way soon and I can be back with a bang on TV again. Fingers crossed!
