I am humbled being compared to actresses like Smita Patil and Jaya Bachchan: Akanksha Singh

In Season 1 of Na Bole Tum… Na Maine Kuch Kaha (Sunshine Productions) on Colors, in which she played a young widowed lady who attains financial independence and falls in love all over again, Akanksha Singh stole the hearts of millions of viewers.

Now, in Season 2, she has beautifully slipped into the role of a mature 40 something lady who still stands strong despite having faced uncalled for tragedies in life, like her son Addu going missing and her marriage falling apart.

We met up with this talented doe-eyed actress for a candid interview.

Excerpts:

You dance very well in Na Bole Tum… Na Maine Kuch Kaha. Since when have you been dancing?
(winks) I have never learnt dancing. I picked up dancing by seeing my mother dance; she, after all, is an expert dancer. I have one quality and that is that I can pick up dancing very fast. I had to take just two kathak classes for the show.

Though you haven’t grown much since Season 1, you convincingly play a mother to a twenty something daughter in Season 2. How have you been able to achieve that?
Many viewers ask me the same question. The thing is that I am constantly trying to learn and improve while acting.

What is your message to parents who have been waiting for years for their missing children to return?
I would ask them never to lose hope. I realise that it’s very difficult for them to do so but they should not give up too easily.

Would you like Mohan and Megha to have a baby?
Both Megha and Mohan aren’t young anymore. As they are now in their forties, it will look weird if they have a baby now.

If you got to meet Megha in real life, what advice would you give her?
I haven’t really pondered on that as I am just playing the character. Moreover, I believe that Megha doesn’t need my counseling. She wasn’t the only person who was at fault. Both Mohan and Megha made mistakes.

You cry a lot on the show. Do you cry on your own or use glycerin?
Most of the time I cry on my own; have to use glycerin at times though. After all, when the director says ‘cut’, it is tough to execute the same emotion every time.

What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses as an actor?
I really can’t pin point my strengths. All I can say is that when I play Megha, I visualise my mom, who like Megha, is also a strong lady who has gone through many hardships. Regarding my weaknesses, I may candidly say that I need to go on learning.

What kind of roles would you never play?
(pauses) I really don’t know the answer to that. I will cross that bridge when I come to it. When I am offered a role, I will make up my mind whether or not to accept it. I wouldn’t like to be in a saas bahu show though.

Your dream role is like …
I feel that every role is challenging. I want to work hard and do better roles. I must admit though that Vidya Balan’s role in Kahaani gives me goose bumps. I would love to do a role like that.

What is the best fan feedback that you have received till date?
One of my fans told me that I am at par with the actresses of the yesteryears like that of Smita Patil and Jaya Bachchan. I am indeed humbled to be compared to such legendary actresses.

What in the TV industry would you like to change?
You go on seeing women crying and cooking on TV; that should change. Shows should be of the merrier kind.

What are your hobbies?
I would play basketball when I was in school. I also love to write, sing and dance.

Are you continuing with your studies in physiotherapy?
Yes, I am. As a matter of fact, I am in my fourth year of my physiotherapy degree course.

Are you open to doing reality shows like Bigg Boss?
No, as I would like my personal life to be personal. Also, I would not enjoy living in that house for three months.

Any message you want to give to your fans?
Yes, primarily, I want to thank them for showering their love and supporting me. It is for that, I am where I am today. My message to them would be to keep on loving me and continue to watch my show.