Gauahar khan | Known for her role in Begum Jaan, Khan has won hearts through her acting and bold  nature. She speaks with Musba Hashmi about her latest projects and journey. In order to get fame, one needs to work hard, she says

What is your character in The Office about?

I play Riya Pahwa. She is the boss’ boss. She sits in the Delhi head office. She has a lot of critical decisions to make. She keeps telling Jagdeep Chadda (played by Mukul Chadda), who is a branch manager,  that he has to listen to her advice otherwise the company will suffer losses. Basically, time and again she makes Chadda realise that she is the boss. She is confident and a sorted woman.

What made you say yes?

It is a character that I haven’t played before. In my first film — Rocket Singh, my role was set-up in an office environment but it was of a receptionist and here I play the boss. It is a different role altogether. Moreover, it is a web series and being aired on Hotstar. When the team of Applause Entertainment approached me for the role there was no reason to turn it down.

What is that one thing that is attracting people towards remakes or adaptations of foreign shows?

When you see a movie and if you like it, you want to see it’s sequels too. Same goes for this. If there is a good adaptation people will watch it. The Office is an adaptation of a cult show which was an international format. It’s not as if it’s a scene to scene pick up. You have to make the required changes. Here comes the connectivity with the audience. For example, it is an Indian adaptation so accordingly everything has been decided keeping in mind the Indian audience — be it the characters or the work environment. This makes it an interesting watch. A big show like this deserves an Indian adaptation.

Is there a checklist that you follow before signing projects?

First, the script should be good. Second, I look for the production house. Third, good director is a must. Fouth, the platform on which it will be shown. For web series, the platform is decided at a much later stage but then good names should be associated with a project.

You have worked in films, TV and now web. Where do you find yourself most comfortable working in?

I find myself most comfortable in front of the camera. Medium doesn’t matter. I love playing different characters. I am comfortable working in any medium as long as I am performing. I have also done Zangoora, which was Bollywood’s first musical. I have done everything and I hope I continue to add newer mediums and genres in my list.

You have been a part of a lot of reality shows. Any plans to step into the mainstream TV?

If I am offered a good lead character, then yes. But, the role has to be appealing. I would love to do something around love, drama and romance because I haven’t done that yet.

How was the experience working with Vidya Balan in Begum Jaan?

There were so many lessons that I took back home from her. More than an amazing actor, she is an amazing human being. She takes care of people around her and is very much aware of what’s happening around. I love her to bits. She is very professional, throws no tantrums and never causes any trouble to anyone just because she is a big actor.

A lesson learnt in the industry.

You don’t need to be affiliated to some big name from the industry to earn fame. Your hard work earns you work. Doing good work  brings more good work in your way.

Good, bad and ugly of trolling.

Trolling is only bad and ugly, there is no good. The only good can be that it teaches you how to ignore people who want to bring you down.

How has your journey been thus far?

I only see my journey as a glass half full. I don’t care about the time when things didn’t turn out well. I am a very optimistic person.

What are your upcoming projects?

There are two web series in the pipeline. I don’t want to talk more about it but I have completed shooting for one and have signed the other.