Small screen big stardom
Actors Shama Sikander, Tisca Chopra and Nikki Aneja Walia speak on their tryst with stardom through the small screen instead of Bollywood.
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.