Barkha Bisht: I feel that parents should be extremely understanding, so that a generation gap…..

Actress Barkha Bisht who has been seen in shows like Kitni Mast Hai Zindagi, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Kaa and Kavyanjali is to replace Rupali Ganguly in Sony TV’s Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi. The actress, who is the mother of a beautiful baby girl, isn’t finding it difficult to step into a parent’s role in this popular serial.

Recently, we bumped into the lovely lady and cornered her for a freewheeling interview. Excerpts:

You are already a parent and have a beautiful baby girl named Meera who will turn two later this year. Has it been easy for you to slip into a parent’s role in Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi?

Actors should be able to fit into any role. Nevertheless, it has helped me, being a parent in real life. Pinky, the mother I am playing in Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi, is very chilled out with her children and believes in not yelling out at her kids. She feels that one should be a loving mother instead. As I am similar in real life, it hasn’t been tough at all.

The reel children in Parvarish whose character names are Raavi, Raashi and Sunny are far older than your daughter. So, is it a challenge to play a mother to older kids at a young age?

I am not that young as I am 33. However, the creatives are trying to make my character look more physically mature.

How are you bonding with the kids who play your on-screen children (Aanchal Munjal who plays Raavi Jeet Ahuja, Sparsh Khanchandani who plays Raashi Jeet Ahuja and Rakshit Wahi who plays Sunny Jeet Ahuja)?

They have been used to Rupali playing their on-screen mother. And now, they are all getting to know me. They are very sweet and warm kids. Shooting with them is a pleasure.

Since you are replacing Rupali, will you develop your own style or have you been asked to imitate her style, so that there is a sense of continuity for the viewers?

Thankfully, I have not been asked to copy her style and have been allowed to add my own flavour. I am trying to understand the character now.

What do you think of Rupali as an actress and a human being?

I don’t know her personally but have just met her on a few occasions socially. She being in the TV industry for umpteen years now, is a very professional actress. I especially liked watching her in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.

Have you watched the earlier episodes of the show?

I have watched a few of the previous episodes. I liked the fact that it isn’t a saas bahu soap and was attracted to the concept which is about bringing up kids.

How are you bonding with Shweta Tiwari who plays your sister?

I know her better than Rupali. I was after all her co-actor in Kasautii Zindagi Kay. She is a very professional actress.

How are you bonding with Vishal Singh who plays Jeet Ahuja, your on-screen husband?

He is a very supportive actor who helps me with my role. As I am new to this role, he corrects me when I go wrong.

What are the qualities that a good parent should have?

Each parent is different. I feel that parents should be extremely understanding, so that a generation gap doesn’t develop among their kids. They must be abreast with the times and should be extremely communicative with their children.

Is your husband Indraneil giving you advice on your role as Pinky?
Indraneil is a very supportive husband. He isn’t the type to give me advice though. Anyway, he hardly watches TV.

Does your daughter accompany you to the sets?

I do plan to take my daughter along to the sets and if I don’t, I simply will not be able to spend any time with her as she will be asleep when I return from work.