‘Television connects to its audience on a daily basis’
Vivian Dsena says the pandemic has been a great educator. These tough times have made us compassionate and health conscious. It has also helped in understanding the importance of staying close to your loved ones.
“I think one of the essential lessons from these times is getting an understanding of our true friends and well-wishers. Social distancing is not just applicable to save ourselves from the virus but we should also do the same with people, who do not mean good to us,” he says the actor who is in talks for a comeback soon. His last show was Shakti — Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki. He continues, “TV is growing in different directions. It’s not about saas-bahu anymore. They are experimenting with new genres, stories and also exploring different concepts and presentations. OTT can’t be compared with TV because it comes in seasons, while TV is for daily viewing, hence these daily soaps. The audience is completely different, so is the reach. Yes a lot of people have smartphones these days, but more people have TV that came much before mobile phones. Television connects to its audience on a daily basis, for some the medium is a part of their daily regime.” Like any other child, the actor too has grown up watching TV. “I watched a lot of cartoons. I have grown up watching Aladdin, Tom and Jerry, Dexter’s Laboratory. I also enjoyed watching Alif Laila,” adds Vivian, who never imagined that one day he would be an actor himself.
Unlike what many might say, he believes people still enjoy watching TV. The actor also shares how wonderful it feels to be working on a medium that takes you closer to the masses. “People belonging to different strata of the society watch TV, so when they see you daily, they form a special bond with the actors and the shows. Being recognised and loved by people from all walks of life is a different feeling altogether.
Whenever I step out rickshaw puller, people working on the work or asking for help on the streets, those working in medical and general stores recognise me much like those stepping out of big cars or running to catch a bus or hire a taxi for office. This connection with all kinds of people makes working on TV worthwhile. I think that’s the real reward,” he concludes.
Priyanka LALWANI LOVES BEING ON STAGE
Jamai Raja actress Priyanka Lalwani enjoys acting, but says that being on stage and hosting a show have a special place in her heart.
"From corporate events to wedding events to fashion shows to interviews, you name it and I’ve probably done it all," she said.
Asked which one she prefers — anchoring or acting, she said, "It’s like asking a parent to choose between their kids who is your favourite. I love both because while I’m on stage, I get to be myself and I can do my own thing. When I’m in front of the camera, I get to be the character that I am playing." The Spotlight 2 actress didn't take any formal training in anchoring. "In my early modelling days, I was offered to host a sangeet event and I was like why not. I remember taking my mom along with me. Since then there is no looking back. But it does require some different skills, most important is that you have to be impromptu unlike acting where a script is given. There are no retakes in anchoring," she said.
Over the years, she has learnt that it’s very important to be patient and not rush through things when she is speaking on stage.
“Be calm and always smile on," she suggested.
Talking about her favourite anchor on TV, she shared, "Since the time I was a kid I used to really look up to Vishal Malhotra and never missed any of his shows on Disney. I have really admired Ambika Anand. I have grown up watching her on NDTV Good Times. I wanted to do what she did. I wanted to travel and do shows like she did. And some way or the other, I am doing that.
Apart from them, I really admire Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon, Maniesh Paul and Raghav Juyal."
Sheena Bajaj likes getting photographed
Actor Sheena Bajaj recently did a photoshoot and the photographer is none other than her own sister, Riya Bajaj. The latter is a professional and her brand is called Riya Bajaj Photography. Sheena shares her experience and why it is essential to click new images every time.
“Riya shoots with film stars and many other celebrities. She is quite good at her job. All my life, I had only shot with her and dad. I trust her skill and she knows me better than anyone else,” says the actor, known for her show "Best of Luck Nikki".
Sheena shot about three looks because she doesn’t enjoy draining herself in one day. And, if she wants more, then she can do it later.
“Riya has got a lot of options, different concepts, which I really like. I don’t like continuously clicking pictures and doing photoshoots but since I am on Instagram and I have to maintain my profile, connect with my fans, do brand promotions and all of that, I do photo shoots every few months. I have to keep upgrading myself… In fact, I think actors should get photo shoots done every four to five months, it helps. But at the same time it’s also one’s personal choice,” she adds.
Sheena shares that photo shoots are fun. And that she loves experimenting with different eye makeups, lip shades and creating different looks.
She adds, “I create different looks for my channel Sheena Bajaj Official on YouTube so I do different concept shoots and upload videos, BTS etc. It’s fun, especially when your are shooting with someone you are very comfortable with, the person behind the camera is innovative and you know the result will be good.”
