The bold and strong-minded Pooja Sharma has made space in millions of hearts as an actress. Pooja is a surreal mix of calmness and energy.

The talented thespian, who won audiences’ heart with her powerful act in mythological saga Mahabharat, is currently enthralling one and all as both Kaali and Parvati in Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s ‘Mahakaali – Anth Hi Aarambh Hai’ on Colors.

In conversation with IWMBuzz, Pooja talks about the success of the show and more…Excerpts.

 

Congratulations on the success of Mahakaali, who do you attribute the success to?

Thank you, I think the success of any show is credited to the people who have worked hard for it. The list starts with Producer Siddharth Kumar Tewary for having conceptualized a show like this and envisioning me doing the role of Mahakaali. Kudos to him. Next in line, are our writers for their superb writing and presenting it in an entertaining format. Later, cheers to our look and styling department. They have created a benchmark in creating the look of Kali, considering that she has an extremely overwhelming look and they have managed to achieve the same. We are very proud of it. I would like to credit my directors for motivating me every day to be able to carry off the challenging character. My co-actors too have excelled in their performances.  The show has an amazing team who believe in the project and that’s why we have been able to pull off such a fantastic series.

What motivates you to take up powerful characters?

The motivating factor is my love for acting. I thoroughly enjoy my craft. Also, I have a hunger to perform amazing and powerful characters wherein I get the opportunity to exhibit my talent. My hunger for acting keeps me motivated.

Who has been a constant support to you?

I have a great support system. I thank my parents for bringing me up the right way.  The love, care, affection and confidence to follow my dreams. My mom completely believes in me. My brother, who is proud of me. Siddharth sir, who believes in my talent. He gave me my first show and also the second one which is even more demanding and challenging as an actor. He trusted me way before I could have trusted myself. On Mahakaali set, my directors and dear friend Saurabh Rajj Jain have been great support as well.

As Kali, what are challenges that you experience and how do you overcome them?

The real challenge is to get into the skin of the character. As I have said often that it takes four hours to get ready and get into the character physically. It takes two hours to get out of it, then the intense grueling shooting schedule. We shoot in a non AC environment which makes it little difficult. Kali’s character is very demanding because you are wearing paint and it needs multiple touch ups.  The intense action sequences and dialogues are challenging. The entire look and feel of the character is overwhelming and it takes up a lot of physical energy. The most demanding part is playing Kali physically. I overcome these challenges because I have a great support system on set. The most important thing that keeps me going is the love that I get from audience. During the show, I have realized that people love Mahakaali. I am blessed to play the part.

I don’t just play a strong woman on-screen but I am a strong woman in real life too. I am strong because my family has made me believe that. I have grown up in a family where they have cherished having me (a girl child). The only way crime against women can stop when you start educating human beings. Education at a family unit is very important and I say this from experience

How have you evolved as an actor?

I have become more confident of my craft. I was kind of finding my space with Draupadi and towards the end of the show, I found my footing somewhere as an actor. Since the character of Mahakaali is demanding and I have had a chance to portray multiple nuggets, my performance repertoire has amplified.

What type of content you like to watch on TV?

I like watching romcoms, be it films or shows on TV. I enjoy watching Discovery and Animal Planet.

Would you like to venture in the digital space in future?

I would love to venture in the digital space if it has something exciting to offer me.

You portray a strong woman on screen, so what is your take on the rising crime against women in India?

I don’t just play a strong woman on-screen but I am a strong woman in real life too. I am strong because my family has made me believe that. I have grown up in a family where they have cherished having me (a girl child). I jokingly say that I live in a family of reverse discrimination where I am preferred more than my brother. The only way crime against women can stop when you start educating human beings. Education at a family unit is very important and I say this from experience.

Final thoughts for your fans…

Immense gratitude for all the love. Thank you dear fans and friends for the love and affection. I love you a lot and you love me a lot, so let us continue the equation (smiles).