Kailasha Bua will break my on-screen image ciune 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.