‘गंगा माई.. ’ में सबसे अलग दुर्गावती: बिना ऑडिशन बनीं ‘रामायणम्’ की कौशल्या, इंदिरा कृष्णन बोलीं- मुझ पर ‘दृश्यम’, ‘बाहुबली’ जैसे रोल सूट करते हैं

Actress Indira Krishnan’s recent release is ‘Jatadhara’. Apart from this, she is seen in the powerful character of Thakurain Durgavati in the TV show ‘Ganga Mai Ki Betiyaan’. Next she will be seen in the role of Kaushalya in ‘Ramayanam’. The special thing about ‘Ramayanam’ is that she got selected for this film without even auditioning. During a special conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, the actress told that strong roles in films like ‘Drishyam’ and ‘Baahubali’ suit her more. Here are some more excerpts from the conversation with Indira Krishnan.

What is special about your character ‘Thakurain Durgavati’ in ‘Ganga Mai Ki Betiyaan’?

Durgavati’s character has the most shades in the entire show. This character is not only negative, she also has emotional shades, anger, a stubbornness, and she is absolutely justified in saying what she says, even if she says 110 lines of things in one line. This is a very heavy role.

I wouldn’t call it completely negative, but yes, a mother sometimes becomes selfish, sometimes she also feels pain and all this will probably come up in the show later. This character is amazing. The feel of this show is different and there is a newness in it. In ‘Ganga Mai…’ there are three-four stories going on simultaneously and each character is interlinked with the other characters. The show is a remake of the huge hit Kannada show ‘Puttakkana Makkalu’, which is giving a freshness to the audience.

Did you take any inspiration for the character of Durgavati or is she a similar personality to some extent?

There is a lot of depth in the character of Durgavati. She loves her son very much. He has his own principles. She is also the village mukhiya (head of the panchayat). This character shows how a woman handles both home and outside life well. I think no other character has got so many shades in any show. Yes, I am a little bold in real life too. If I don’t like any person or thing, I explain it to him up front. I never talk behind your back. I have certain disciplines and principles and perhaps that is what has given me 24 years of consistency in the industry. I think, nowadays people in the industry have forgotten the discipline and principles.

What do you see lacking in artists in the industry today?

I have seen in today’s actors that they only read their lines or dialogues and do not read the entire scene. Because of this the character does not emerge. If you read and perform the entire scene, the character comes fully to life and you can interact better. I have learned this from my senior actors and people from National School of Drama.

I myself don’t work without reading the entire scene, even if I don’t have any lines. An actor should be creatively involved and given some freedom so that he can take his character to a different level.

How did you get the role of Kaushalya in ‘Ramayanam’?

Earlier, I had played a small role of Rashmika Mandanna’s mother in ‘Animal’. In ‘Ramayanam’ I have played the character of Kaushalya with Ranbir. My path was opened by the film ‘Animal’. When I met Ranbir Kapoor, he also expressed happiness that I am doing this role. I didn’t give any audition. The makers, after seeing me, said that they only want Indira ji.

I only gave a look test, in which I looked absolutely perfect as Kaushalya. Director Nitesh Tiwari’s vision and direction sense is very good, due to which I played this character very smoothly. The shooting of my part has been completely completed.

I want to do different types of characters, I think people get lifetime achievement awards and I want to do all the roles in my lifetime, whether they are small or big, but I want to play a sketchy character.

I always give something new to my audience, like I did a very famous and beautiful role in ‘Krishnadasi’, for which I also received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

How was your experience with Ranbir Kapoor on the sets of ‘Ramayanam’?

Both onscreen and offscreen relations with Ranbir Kapoor are good. We used to talk a lot offscreen and I learned a lot about cinema from him. His dedication, his principles and his honesty are reflected in the scene. He does not put much effort in acting but works very simply and effortlessly. He also gives cues to his co-stars and remains involved in everything. He is a very positive and kind person.

Have you turned more towards films now?

No it is not like that. I will never leave TV, because TV has always given me respect and my livelihood depends on it, but yes, if I get films, I will do films also. I am an artist and for me there is no difference between big screen or small screen. I have worked equally hard on the big screen as I have worked on the small screen.

Tell us about the recently released South film ‘Jatadhara’?

‘Jatadhara’ has been released recently and is getting very good response. I feel that my 24 years of experience in the industry is now benefiting me in films. Although the role in ‘Jatadhara’ was not that powerful, I was in the prime cast of the show and was quite visible. I feel that I have been a slightly underrated actress and can do larger-scale roles.

Are more offers expected from the South after ‘Jatadhara’?

Yes, I am expecting an offer after the response of ‘Jatadhara’. Although he has not come yet, but I think he will definitely come. Currently, I am busy shooting for ‘Ganga Maiya Ki Betiyaan’.

How was the experience of working in South Industry?

People in South Industry are very disciplined. There you get good opportunities, you earn good money and name and work with good groups. I want to do a film like ‘Drishyam’ or ‘Baahubali’, where every character is important, like Ramya Krishnan ji’s role in ‘Baahubali’. My aura, face and body language suit more for strong characters.