Kailasha Bua will
break my on-screen image: Neeta Mohindra
Veteran actress Neeta Mohindra,
renowned for her exceptional acting skills, is captivating audiences with her
portrayal of Kailasha Bua in &TV's social drama Bheema.
With a rich background in theatre and television, her vast experience adds
authenticity and depth to her character, making her performance a highlight of
the show. In this candid chat, Mohindra discusses her role, preparation, and
acting journey.
How did you land the role in
Bheema?
Auditions are a constant part
of an actor’s life. This particular opportunity came up quickly. The casting
team reached out to me for an audition, and the next day, I was called in for a
mock shoot. It went smoothly, and before I knew it, I was cast in the role.
How are you enjoying playing
Kailasha Bua?
I am thoroughly enjoying the
role of Kailasha Bua. It has been some time since I took on a negative role, as
I’ve mostly played positive characters, particularly mothers. My previous roles
became so iconic that people in Punjab started referring to me as Nirupa Roy!
However, Kailasha Bua allows me to break that image. She is a powerful,
authoritative figure in her community, whose word is law, and who faces off
with Bheema and her family, presenting significant challenges. The character
has many layers, and I am fully immersed in it.
What kind of preparations did
you undertake for this role?
I connected with the role
organically after reading the well-detailed script. The initial days were about
settling into the character, but soon it became intuitive and relatable.
Although the character is mainly negative, there are various nuances to
explore, and my director has been key in capturing these subtleties.
Tell us about your bond with
Tejaswini.
Tejaswini is a wonderful
child. She’s sweet and dedicated. Our on-screen chemistry is quite different
from reality. While I often create trouble for her on-screen and off-screen, we
get along very well. The entire team, including Amit, Smita, and Tejaswini, is
fantastic to work with.
What prompted your transition
from theatre to screen acting?
I developed a passion for
theatre early on, though I wasn’t sure if I would break into the industry. I
pursued a solid academic background, earning a master’s and PhD in Fine Arts
and becoming a college professor. Even while teaching, I continued acting and
attended workshops in Germany and the USA. I am from Punjab and made my TV
debut in 1984. Before that, I was deeply involved in theatre and transitioned
from anchoring to performing in plays.
What can viewers expect from
the show?
Bheema is an inspiring story
of a young girl who dreams beyond her circumstances and strives for success
despite numerous challenges. Her journey involves overcoming societal norms and
obstacles to achieve her goals. I’m confident that viewers will find the show
compelling and emotionally resonant, connecting deeply with the characters and
their struggles.
Catch Neeta
Mohindra as Kailasha Bua in Bheema, airing at 8:30 pm, Monday to Friday, only
on &TV!