Sayantani Ghosh talks about playing Rajasthani character in Dahej Daasi

Sayantani Ghosh is seen as Vindhya Devi in Ravindra Gautam and Raghuvir Shekhawat’s Dahej Daasi, which is produced under their banner Do Dooni 4 Films. This is the first time in 20 years that she is playing a Rajasthani character, and she says it feels special. In fact, her in-laws though pahadis,hail from Jaipur, Rajasthan. They helped her get the nuances right for the character. “I've been in the acting industry for almost two decades, and playing a Rajasthani character for the first time feels really special to me. It holds personal significance because my in-laws are from Jaipur, Rajasthan, so I've had their help in getting the dialect and nuances right. We had extensive script reading sessions with our makers ,where we learned how to pronounce words like ‘athe aao’ and ‘bhindani’ authentically,” she said.
Sayantani had earlier played a Sardarni in her show Tera Yaar Hoon Main, and she says she is lucky to have played such diverse roles in her career.“Professionally, it's been a challenging but rewarding experience, especially as I've had the opportunity to play diverse roles in recent years. From portraying a Sardarni in Tera Yaar Hoon Main to now being a Rajasthani character, it's been a journey of learning and growth,” she said.
“It's not easy for someone like me, who is Bengali, to pick up different dialects and regional aspects, but I'm proud of the hard work I've put in. The feedback from viewers, saying that I look the most authentic as a Rajasthani character on the show, makes it all worth it. Overall, it's been a fun and challenging process, and I'm grateful for the trust the industry has placed in me,” she added.Rajasthan holds a special place in her heart, and she revealed that she has lost count of how many times she has been there. She was all praise for the rich culture and heritage of the place, and said, “I've been there countless times, for my wedding reception and even when my husband and I were dating. The city is incredibly rich in culture, with its vibrant colors, historic palaces, delicious food, and bustling markets.”
“I especially love the traditional fashion, like the colorful bandhani and bandhej sarees, as well as the unique prints like Baghduru. I've always been drawn to Indian heritage and culture, so Rajasthan's charm always excites me. The architecture and old-world charm of the city are truly captivating, and I always look forward to my visits there,” Sayantani ended.

I wasn't getting much opportunity to shine: Megha Sharma on quitting Pandya Store

Megha Sharma, who has been part of shows like Baal Krishna and Mahakali – Anth Hi Aarambh Hai, has quit her ongoing show Pandya Store. The lack of screen time, and lack of opportunities made her take this decision.She said, “I was part of the show for about 9-10 months, and for the first 4 months, I really enjoyed my role. But then, things started repeating, and my character wasn't growing. I wasn't getting much screen time, so I felt like I was hitting a dead end and I felt the need to put a stop to it. Thus, I quit the show because my character wasn't developing and I hardly had any screen time or lines. I thought about it a lot, but when I realised I wasn't getting much opportunity to shine, I had to make the decision to leave.”
Though she agreed that it was a tough decision, she stressed that she wasn’t getting the opportunity to perform.“It was a tough decision because I really enjoyed working with the team, they were great. But as an actor, I need opportunities to perform. When those opportunities were lacking, I realised I needed to take a step forward to grow. So, I made the decision to leave in order to pursue other opportunities. Now, I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me as I explore other projects,” she said.
Megha believes that the struggle for an actor never ends and she believes in keeping a positive approach whenever she faces any challenge.“It's just how you perceive that struggle, whether positively or negatively. Some people give up when faced with struggles, but if you approach it positively, you keep pushing until you achieve something. So, I believe in facing struggles positively and keep moving forward. You shouldn't just sit at home,” she said.
What kind of work are you looking at now? “As an actor, I don't have a specific type of work I'm looking for. Work is work. The important thing is to perform well whatever role you're given because, as an actor, I'm a performer, and performing is what I do. So, when you're not given the opportunity to do that, it's disappointing. That's exactly what happened to me,” she ended.

Shivangi Verma: Staying true to my passion helped me overcome challenges

Actress Shivangi Verma who was last seen in the show Control Room, says that while she also faced her share of struggles, she always kept the end goal in mind. She adds that it’s very important to stay on your track, despite the challenges that come on the way. “Starting out came with its share of struggles and hardships. I realised early on that my career choices would significantly shape my life. There were moments of doubt and opposition, but staying true to my passion and vision helped me overcome those challenges,” she says.
Talking about newcomers, and her advice for them, she says, “My advice for newcomers in their struggling years is to stay resilient, patient, and true to themselves. Surround yourself with a supportive network, learn from setbacks, and keep pushing forward. Believe in your abilities and embrace the journey, knowing that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth.”

It’s a subjective experience: The mentor actor Ranaksh Rana on his struggle

Actor-producer and former banker Ranaksh Rana says any job, in any field, has its own share of hardships in the initial days. He feels that this struggle is never the same for anyone. He says it is very subjective and depends on one’s experience, age, and knowledge of the trade.“Of course I had my own share of struggle in the initial days. Mumbai is the city of dreams, and everyone here is dreaming big, so to come here with my dream and then to start working on it requires a lot of work, perseverance, and passion. There is something called individual differences. All of us are born differently, all of us have different habits and personalities, and so is our struggle,” he said.
“It’s a subjective experience that each person has, as there is no one path to achieve the end result. At times, there is no guidance, or clarity, and you need to find the direction yourself. But at the end of the day, we all have faced struggles; it’s part of the job in the initial days,” he added.
Ranaksh made his acting debut in 2018 with a Marathi music video. He then went on to win the Face of India 2020 title, which was a part of the Asia Model Festival. He has been part of music videos like Barsaat, and Fidaai, among others. He will next be seen in the mytho-sports drama The Mentor.Asked for advice for newcomers, he said, “Work on your resume. Choose the role vs. the look and the character vs. the face. Treat it as an internship, without hesitation. There are techniques, but you have to make them your own. You need to create your own path to the same destination.” Actor Ranaksh Rana is a part of the multilingual contemporary mytho-sports drama 'The Mentor'

Samaira Sandhu credits Yoga for transforming her life 

Stunning actress Samaira Sandhu has recently opened up about the transformative impact yoga has had on her life. The versatile actress, known for her remarkable performances across various projects, shared her journey with yoga and how it has become an integral part of her lifestyle. In a candid conversation, Samaira revealed, "I started learning advanced yoga in 2022 with a renowned yoga guru, though I have been practicing basic yoga since childhood with my mom, as she used to encourage me for the same. However, I took it very seriously only in the last two years." Her dedication to yoga reflects a deeper commitment to overall well-being beyond just physical fitness.
Samaira emphasized that for her, yoga transcends mere exercise routines. "I believe in yoga more than the gym because it’s not just about physical well-being, but it also involves mental well-being. I feel very energized and aligned when I practice yoga," she explained. This holistic approach to health resonates with her hectic lifestyle as an actress, where maintaining balance amidst constant travel and work pressure is paramount.
The actress, known for her versatility and captivating on-screen presence, has always left a lasting impression on audiences with her remarkable performances. From portraying diverse characters to mesmerizing viewers with her stunning looks, Samaira has consistently raised the bar in each project she undertakes.
"Yoga has been my anchor amidst the chaos of life in the entertainment industry. It helps me stay grounded, focused, and energized," Samaira shared. Her endorsement of yoga as a transformative practice underscores its universal appeal and benefits beyond physical fitness.In conclusion, Samaira Sandhu's journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of yoga in enriching lives and fostering holistic well-being. As she continues to shine on-screen, her commitment to yoga stands as a beacon of inspiration for her fans and fellow practitioners alike.