Entertainment
Actors Shama Sikander, Tisca Chopra and Nikki Aneja Walia speak on their tryst with stardom through the small screen instead of Bollywood.
Updated : Sep 25, 2015, 12:31 PM IST
Actors Shama Sikander, Tisca Chopra and Nikki Aneja Walia speak on their tryst with stardom through the small screen instead of Bollywood
Shama Sikander
Films: In 'Mann' she did a jig with Aamir Khan on the track, 'Mera mann, kyun tumhe chahe'. In 'Prem Aggan' she had a few scenes with Fardeen Khan. She has also acted opposite Faisal Khan in the unreleased film 'Chand Bujh Gaya', based on communal riots.
TV: As the Gujarati girl Pooja of 'Yeh Meri Life Hai', she finally hit big time.
Shama Speak: I was never insecure about my career as my family was always by my side. I was getting some film offers when producer Vipul D Shah asked me to play Pooja in 'Yeh Meri Life Hai'. I liked it and thought of giving television a try. The rest is history.
Tisca Chopra
Films: She played a seductress in Nagesh Kukunoor's 'Hyderabad Blues II'. Later in Prakash Jha's 'Lok Nayak Jayprakash Narayan' she played Parvati. She also featured in 'Sau Jhoot Ek Sach'.
TV: The serial 'Saakshi' was her turning point. Now as Mallika in 'Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii' and Urvashi in 'Sarrkkar', she has carved out her own niche.
Tisca Speak: I do meaningful roles in films and balance this by doing strong roles on TV as well. The day I stop getting good offers, I will quit acting and do something else that is creatively satisfying. I would rather do interesting roles on TV than inconsequential two bit-roles in films.
Nikki Aneja Walia
Films: Nikki debuted in 'Mr Azad' starring Anil Kapoor. But the film was a disaster and forced Nikki to quit commercial cinema.
TV: She had a good innings with serials 'Dastaan', 'Sea Hawks', 'Aandhi 'Baat Ban Jaye' and 'Gharwali Uparwali'. As Dr Simran in 'Astitva-Ek Prem Kahani' she haspeaked as an actress of substance.
Nikki Speak: The love and affection I have received as Dr Simran is unbelievable. It has been a humbling experience for me. I don't think I could ever have got this kind of adulation in cinema. I get the best offers on TV and am content to have finally found my groove.