Tales from Kabul

Even as the city of Kabul was facing bomb explosions every other day, model-actor Sonal Udeshi (sister of actor Maushmi Udeshi of ‘Lips’ fame), who was shooting there for the Afghani serial ‘Palwasha’ (rays of the rising sun) braved the tense situation. Sonal has just returned to Mumbai after two months! 

Sonal recounts, “There was a constant fear. The bomb blast which took place recently in Kabul was quite close to the building in which we were staying.

Our whole building shook with the tremors. While I was there, the Afghani authorities had provided me with security. But it’s been an adventurous experience overall.”

What was it that motivated her to take up this TV assignment, which involved so much risk?  

“They offered me the title role of ‘Palwasha’ with top Afghani actors Dawood and Massoud Hashmi.

The story revolves around my character, who becomes the first ever female judge of Afghanistan. It signifies woman empowerment,” she answers.

Sonal continues, “Kabul is an exotic city. I enjoyed shopping for ethnic clothes and ornaments. I loved their Afghani cuisine and folk music.” 

However, she adds, “As far as the situation is concerned it is a very volatile country. One never knows what will happen next. The people there live for today. There is no tomorrow for them.”