The real life rebel

First seen on season 8 of the hit reality show ‘Roadies’ Pooja Banerjee has come a long way since. From Portraying an aspiring Olympic swimmer “Rewa” in the show ‘Swim Team’ to showcasing simple yet elegant girl “Noorie” in her new show ‘Nagarjun - Ek Yodha’ the 21-year-old actor has donned many shades in her short yet bright career. In a freewheeling chat, she shares about her show and career.

Why did you choose this profession?
Probably, because I thought, I can do more work than the regular 9-5 job. I have always been interested in doing diverse things. The things which not everybody would like to do. I’m like this since my childhood.

Even when I was doing my first show, I thought of going back once it concluded. But later, I got an opportunity to do a daily soap and I thought I should give it a try. I told my parents, “If this profession gives me happiness, I will do it. If not I will come back.”

You've played roles of a bahu, warrior, an aspiring Olympic swimmer and now Noorie. Your career graph is pretty diverse.
I have a habit of taking divergent roles every time. My question to the makers about my character is “what difference will it make, if I do this show and how desperate are you in proceeding with it, from the viewpoint of the audience?” Believe me, I won’t ask them about my co-actors, locations, etc.

These are my priority questions that I ask my makers before saying yes to any role. If it really clicks in my mind that I will be standing out in the crowd, then I go for it.

Did you participate in ‘MTV Roadies’ to get a break in television?
No. To be very honest, my friends told me: “Why don’t you go for Roadies?” and I said it’s not meant for me. But later I asked my mother to accompany me for the ‘Roadies’ audition. She was a little hesitant first, but I told her that if she comes with me then I will go or else I will not go. She agreed and I got selected in the show.

On the show, I told the judges, that I’m not here for fame or stardom. And they said that people come here only for that. Then I told them that I will go back home after the series but destiny had planned something else for me.

If you would have gone home then what would you have been doing now?
I would have been an IAS officer. I always wanted to be somebody formidable, whom people will look up to. From my school days, I wanted to bring change in the society. I don’t mind to get into politics if required (Giggles).

Why did you say yes to Noorie’s character?
It was just a telephonic conversation. And I said yes for ‘Nagarjun - Ek Yodha’ (Giggles). They told me that it is a fantasy show and that intrigued me. I was like “Wow really! Will it happen on national television?” I said ok and questioned them, about my character.

They said it is very simple. To perform Noorie’s character is not rocket science. But if you see, in the entire show I’m the only one, who is very different. All characters are pre-designed and have a form, which they have to follow. My role has many shades – You can’t guess when she will get angry, romantic, bubbly, lively, crazy, disobedient, lovable or rude. To do a simple role and stand out is a tough task.

From the first episode to now, Noorie and her father don't gel with each other? Why?
From a young age, Noorie is trying to be the perfect daddy’s girl. But her father is not interested in being the perfect dad. He wants to be a perfect disciplinarian. In order to be like that, he turns out to be overly possessive and protective, which he doesn’t realise.

Probably he might be trying, which Noorie is not aware of. But from Noorie’s perspective, he was wrong in many ways. He was never affectionate to her. If my father would have done that to me, then I am sure that over a period of time our relationship would have turned sour.

In all your shows you have portrayed rebellious characters. Do you on purpose choose such roles?
The fact is that I want every role of mine to be different. But being rebellious, I think that is quite evident on my face. And I think that’s why people want me to portray a rebel character (Giggles). I am quite a rebel in real life too.

By: Abhyudaya Karamchetu