Salman Khan can take a joke on himself: Archana Puran Singh

Archana Puran Singh recently made a comeback on television by replacing Navjot Singh Sidhu as the permanent celeb guest on The Kapil Sharma Show (TKSS). She says about the reunion with Kapil and team, “In the beginning, it was like a guest visiting old friends and family. Gradually, I turned into a permanent member again and it was back to the way they always were. They never stopped pulling my leg or taking digs at me. So, it’s been fantastic.” 

Excerpts from a chat with the actress...

How does it feel to be back on TV after a long time? Were you a fan of the show before being a part of it?

My history with Kapil goes back to Comedy Circus. I’ve been his colleague, well-wisher and a huge fan. So, when TKSS started, I was still judging that show and that time, they took Navjot Singh Sidhu. When Sidhu went away for about two weeks, Kapil called me for two episodes. When he had to leave again for his election campaign, I was called for a couple of episodes. I was excited to be back because the backstage and onstage teams are pretty much the same as Comedy Circus. It was a sort of reunion and a lot of comfort working with Kapil and the team. 

Krushna Abhishek and Kapil crack a lot of joke about you replacing Sidhu...

This joke has been going on since Comedy Circus days. The show went on for about eight years. I was the judge and there were two others -- from Satish Shah to Shekhar Suman to Arbaaz Khan, Johny Lever and Rohit Shetty -- who kept changing; but I was constant. They used to make fun of me saying, ‘Yeh judges ko kha jaati hai’. Now, Sidhu has exited and I’m on The Kapil Sharma Show, so, they’ve gone crazy again. These jibes are just for humour and people are enjoying them. 

Salman Khan

How is it working with the Salman Khan as a producer?

As a producer, Salman does not come to the set every day. He came for the promotions of his film Bharat and we saw each other at the time. But, yes, working with him means there’s the comfort of having somebody who is an old friend. We have known each other for years. So, it’s like working in a company that your friend owns; there is always security, knowing that you’re in safe hands. And Salman is such a good-hearted human being. He is the most chilled-out actor and takes jokes on himself so well. In an industry where egos are so big, there are very few actors who can take the failure of a film and laugh at themselves.

You have lent your voice to Zeta in Angry Birds 2. How was that experience?

Before dubbing for it, I had a viral fever but couldn’t back out. So, I went and checked my voice. The team said it sounded all good. I put in extra effort to make sure that the gruff voice did not come in the recording. It was the best experience of my life in spite of being unwell because doing something new and different is always exciting and I love challenges.

Having worked in movies, television, and reality shows, how would you describe your career?

It’s been a long, fruitful, rewarding and beautiful journey. I’m so blessed that I’ve had so many different roles to play. It has been 38 years now! My identity is so entrenched as an actor and celebrity on television that I cannot imagine a life where I’m not part of the industry. The fact that the industry has welcomed me even though I was an outsider and even after almost four decades is still giving me love and work every year makes me feel so happy.