A successful ride

Shivya Pathania, who hails from the picturesque Shimla shot to popularity with the role Arzoo Nausheen Khan in the TV show ‘Humsafars’. The small town girl is now playing the leading lady in the new show ‘Ek Rishta Saajhedari Ka’, which is produced and created by Kavita Barjatya. The actress speaks about her new show and stint in TV industry.

How is working with Kavita Barjatya Productions, which is a sister concern of Rajshree Productions?
It is the best experience of my life. They are “Khandani” people. They are known for their work and in the way, they treat cast and crew. When you meet and speak with them, you feel “Are these people are for real?”

Because Rajshree and Kavita ma’am have done so many films together like ‘Hum Apke Hain Koun’, ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya’ and at the same time on television, they have done very good shows. One of most the important thing is, they believe in the story. They showcase the modernisation of the world but on another hand, we can see that every character sticks to the roots of family and morals. I’m glad it happened to me.

How difficult or easy was it to get into the character of Sanchi in ‘Ek Rishta…’?
Sanchi is very close to me. She is young and playful and I could connect to her because I’m close to my father as Sanchi in the show.

When did the acting bug bite you?
Just like that (smiles). I was doing engineering and then I won Miss Shimla contest and also won an RJ Hunt. I was casually giving auditions for TV shows without having any intention to leave my town. One day I got a call from a production house and they told that I was selected and have to go to Mumbai for a ‘looks’ test. The show was ‘Humsafars’ of 4 Lions Productions.

I told them I can’t go to Mumbai as my parents are not allowing me. Later, the production people came and convinced my parents. I keep on telling this, that I came to Mumbai with a single bag which could accommodate clothes only for a two-day stay. However, destiny had other plans and I started my journey as Arzoo Nausheen Khan in the city of dreams.

From nobody to somebody, how does it feel?
I always believed in my dreams. It doesn’t matter that I’m from a background, where no one in my family has any roots in glamour world. If you want to become something, only dreaming doesn’t help. You need to put your hard work into it. Obviously, if you are passionate about something, then, for sure, you will achieve it.

If I’m somebody today, but then I gave my best without expectations. Even today I’m the same Shivya from Shimla, who is grounded to earth. Because I know, when the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.