I was destined to be a part of Badalte Rishton Ki Dastaan: Sanjeeda Sheikh
From featuring as the leading lady in Ekta Kapoor’s Kya Hoga Nimmo Kaa and Kayamath, Sanjeeda Sheikh has come a long way to be a part of Sahara One’s Piya Ka Ghar Pyaara Lage and now Zee TV’s Badalte Rishton Ki Dastaan (Ravi Ojha Productions).
In a conversation with us, the actress talks about her quitting her ongoing show Piya Ka Ghar, working with Zee TV and more. Excerpts:
Tell us something about your character in Badalte Rishto Ki…?
(smiles) Meera is a very sensitive girl who does exactly what she wants to. Though she also looks sensible, but in real sense she is not and is also insecure. Furthermore, she comes to Delhi in search of something that will remain a secret for a while (smiles).
What made you take up this show?
(pauses) I can vouch for the fact that I have never played such a character ever before. Plus, for me, at this stage of my career, it’s important to work with good people. I had heard so much about Ravi Ojha Productions’ Sasural Genda Phool that when they approached me with the project, I grabbed the opportunity. So, I am immensely happy that I am working with a brilliant maker. I have also never worked with Zee; so everything fell in place for me with this serial.
You quit your Sahara show Piya Ka Ghar Pyara Lage to take up this project…
I worked with Sahara for two years. Plus a year ago, I got married (to Aamir Ali). So Sahara gave me enough time to be with my family. I did not have to work for more than 15 days a month and thereby I got a good amount of rest. But, when Badalte Rishton Ki…came my way, I knew it was time for some hard work and I took it up.
Wasn’t that unfair?
While I was working with Sahara for two years I was offered shows but I did not take them because they did not excite me and nor was I ready for shows at that point of time. I for one think that I was destined to do this show.
So were you waiting for the right script to come your way while shooting for the Sahara show?
I don’t think in television, you get the opportunity to wait for the right script. It was just important for me to work with good makers. Since I am a very positive girl, I like to work with positive people and Ravi Ojha Productions is a very good production house.
Were you creatively satisfied while working for the Sahara show?
As a person, I am very happy and content and that is one reason why I don’t run behind films. With a good amount of hard work, I have achieved things in life. So, I am very happy and at the same time am very proud of myself. So, looking at what I have at the moment, I’d say that this show will do justice to me creatively.
In this serial, you have a very easy going look?
(smiles) I like this look as it makes me feel comfortable. Plus it is also very glamorous in many ways. In fact I have been lucky as I got to shop from Zara, Forever New, etc for my look. Usually, channels do not let you shop on your own with your designer, but I got that privilege. You will see me with a lot of shrugs and scarves and also different hair dos.
How is it working with Aditti Gupta?
(chuckles) Since I have done Zara Nachke Dikha with her earlier, I know her very well. I was very happy to know that that she was also cast for the show.
Are you an actor who likes to shoot only for logical scenes or you do not
mind shooting for even illogical scenes if your producers ask you to?
(pauses) I put 12 hours of my work for the creative satisfaction of my producer. So, even if it’s illogical, I don’t mind shooting for it. Plus, I don’t think that will ever be an issue with Ravi Ojha Productions as their scripts are very well written.
Tell us something about your outdoor shooting experience?
Till now, I have only shot outdoors. In fact, we shot for a song sequence in Dhanaulti when it was snowing. We also shot in Rishikesh and Badha, which is three hours from Mumbai.
Finally, do you want to get into films?
I think I have stopped thinking about getting into films; now I want to be an assistant director and that’s my dream job.
