‘Few aunties were embarrassed to watch me kiss’- Roopal Tyagi

What if an uppity city girl had to relocate to an old fashioned town and live with a traditional family? Gunjan of Zee TV’s Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke is having to do exactly that. We in talks with Roopal Tyagi who plays Gunjan.

Gunjan’s cousin Rachna has helped her heal from the tragedy of losing her mother. Please comment.
Yes, Rachna was there for Gunjan at the most difficult time of her life. Benares was a new town for her and knew nobody there. However Rachna was a sweet, caring and loving sister to Gunjan. Just after losing her mom, Gunjan would get irritated very easily. Rachna patiently put up with Gunjan’s outbursts. Though Rachna is immature about many other things, she was very mature while helping Gunjan to heal from the trauma of losing her mother.

You are from Bangalore. You had told me that when you visit your relatives in Meerut you feel out of place. Would you be able to relocate to Benares and live with such a traditional family in real life?
Gunjan has adjusted with their traditional ideologies. I would however run away from the place as soon as possible like Gunjan had once done.

Are you like Gunjan in real life?
I am almost like Gunjan in real life. However I am not upfront like her. I am softer and more diplomatic. I don’t like hurting anyone. I would think twice before talking in the way Gunjan talks with elders.

You had a lip to lip kiss on the show. Kissing isn’t really the way on daily soaps. So how did the viewers react?
Our target viewers are girls between 14 and 21. They are exposed to films where kissing is very common. Ninety percent of the viewers responded positively to the kiss. However a few aunties were embarrassed to watch me kiss as they were watching the show with their families.

What has been the response of both city girls and small town girls to the show?
City girls can identify with Gunjan whereas small town girls can identify with Rachna. We travelled to the small towns in Maharashtra and Punjab. Girls out there said that they could relate to Rachna. Like her, they have no freedom to step out of their house alone. They aren’t allowed to go to co-ed schools. Their parents are very orthodox.

Will Rachna be visiting the city soon?
I hope she does so soon.

What are your hobbies?
Traveling, exploring new places and dancing.

What do you watch on TV?
My show and international shows.

In one word Zee TV is …
Zee TV is like family. The advertisements I did as a child for Iodex and a paint brand were aired on Zee TV as it was the only satellite Hindi GEC at that time. This is my third show on the channel.