Rising like a phoenix

Dalljiet Kaur, who immortalised the role of Anjali in the TV show ‘Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?’ speaks of her comeback post pregnancy, divorce, and her new show ‘Kaala Tikka’

Tell us about your stint in TV?

It has been a good ride so far. I think I have worked with lovely people in the industry and when I planned to make a comeback it was amazing to know that the same producers wanted me to work with them. Can’t thank Diya ma’am for offering me a show immediately after I started to look for work again.

You come from an Army background. What made you to choose glamour world as profession?

I never dreamt that I might end up in this. I participated in Miss Pune and I won. There was a Balaji girl and she offered me a show called ‘Karthika’, which use to come on Hungama channel. That’s how I entered the industry and I never looked back thereon.

You got instant fame with ‘Kulvadhu’. How did the role happen?

Sony Channel head was searching for lead role for ‘Kulvadhu’ and when he saw me on TV; he told his team that I am perfect for the role. I was a new comer so it was very difficult for them to track me down and get my number. One fine day I got a call from Sony channel, but I thought it was definitely some prank call but once again they approached me then I obviously said yes for the show.

Anjali from ‘Is Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon’ became a household name. Share about your experience?

Anjali is very close to my heart. Even today people appreciate me for the role. A few days before a fan visited me from UK on set of my show and gave me some beautiful sketches made by her of my son and me. I thank my stars that even after closure of the show people still pour their love on me.

There was much hype about your divorce. Don’t you feel your son had to go through all this at a tender age?

Right now he won’t understand anything and so at this moment he is not getting affected emotionally.

What made you to say yes for ‘Kaala-Tikka’?

It is a very unique concept, which has never been done before. It is the journey of a mother, where she has a child but at the same time she doesn’t have a child. I think the motherhood concept touched me from within as I’m a mother in real life and I know the pain.

Why did you decline ‘Bigg Boss 9’?

I have already I signed this show, so professionally I wouldn’t want to go wrong. Secondly, ‘Bigg Boss’ is a show where people have to stay inside the house for three months and I can’t live without my son for a day too.

How do you juggle between acting and motherhood?

I’m trying really hard. It’s not easy. Because this show requires almost 25 to 28 days of shoot. I leave my house when he is sleeping and come back when he is sleeping, it’s the worst feeling and I feel terrible but I have learnt to sport a smile. Like they say when you don’t have a choice you have to go through it and I don’t have a choice at this juncture for sure.

How is the life post divorce now?

Happiness is far from me now. But I’m stronger. I’m sure I will give my son a very good life. Even in this worst phase of my life I am trying to manage and I’m working hard towards it.