Interviews
Playing Sonal in 'Murder Meri Jaan' on Hotstar was quite challenging: Barkha Singh
Barkha Singh is an Indian model and actress. She began her career as a child artist at the age of 10 and has since been associated with big brands. She finds acting most fulfilling as a profession
Tell us about your journey.
Honestly, I have always loved performing and not just acting. It started with some randomly selected acting projects when I was in school since my parents were very particular about me completing my education well. After college, even though I had a corporate job offer through my campus placement, I picked a television show and from there I moved to the youth space, then to digital platforms now to OTT all along creating travel and lifestyle content and tried to do everything that I enjoy doing. So I guess if I have to summarise my journey, it’s been full of surprises and I can’t wait to see what more life has to throw at me and everyone else around me. But everything that I have done whether it’s creating content or being an influencer, a host, a VJ, or an actor, it’s all been conscious choice and a lot of hard work, and I’m so glad that people see it and I have a long long way to go.
How was your experience working with Tanuj Virwani? How was he on sets?
This was the first time Tanuj and I worked together. When we first met in Bhopal, 2 days before the shoot started, I was sick with food poisoning and he was exhausted from a previous project and the wrap party that followed. We were anything but excited to work together. However once we started shooting and with all the shenanigans that followed through the schedule, I think it is safe to say that Tanuj is a great co-actor and a good friend. He is brutally honest, helpful and encouraging as a co-actor. There are loads of pranks and jokes and a whole lot of cricket and ‘Bhindi ki sabzi’ when Tanuj is on set.
Tell us about your upcoming web- series Murder Meri Jaan.
With a super fun and fast paced storyline, eccentric characters and the hilarious circumstances that they find themselves in, Murder Meri Jaan is a complete entertainment package. My character Sonal is an innocent-looking, but very sharp young girl with a long criminal history that includes duping men after marrying them. You never know what’s on her mind. Things turn awry when her latest catch is none other than a police officer himself, resulting in a series of difficult and funny situations for both of them.
Given COVID situation, do you think OTT has changed the entertainment industry. Do you think digital platforms and cinemas can co-exist?
I think OTT has proven that content is king and great content will always find a distribution platform. There will always be a special magic associated with going to the movies! However, prior to COVID too, going to the cinemas had become an event more than just watching content. We’re already seeing Disney+, Prime Video and Netflix release big budget movies straight to digital platforms globally. I think they will all co-exist and it will present more opportunities to actors and more content for us to watch.
What are your upcoming projects?
'Silence' released in March and after 'Murder Meri Jaan' in May, I am all set to begin work on a couple of exciting projects which I sadly cannot disclose yet as they haven’t been announced as yet. However due to the lockdown the shoot for those have been on hold. We will resume shooting as soon as the situation eases out and it is safe to resume shoots. I can’t wait to let all of you know about them!
Did you face any difficulties in playing the role of Sonal in Murder Meri Jaan?
Playing Sonal in Murder Meri Jaan was actually quite a challenge. Some of my favourite pieces of content have revolved around brilliant con men as the protagonist. So, when I was approached for the role of Sonal, I was very excited. I instantly developed an affinity with the character particularly because of how chirpy and upbeat she is, but at the same time very sharp and intelligent. I’d like to believe I am a person with high integrity so to justify the motives of this character I had to truly immerse myself in Sonal’s mind, which was challenging and required a lot of preparation.
How did you come into acting and what motivates you?
Performing is something I’ve really enjoyed right since I was a child. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to act soon after college. Since I was so passionate about it, I decided to take that and see where it goes. The rest is history! Preparing for and doing diverse and challenging roles is my biggest motivation. Even though it’s just for a project or just for a show, I can experience the characters, as there’s always some background & homework that goes on before. So, the fact that I can live different lives in one lifetime through acting is what makes me happy and I am most comfortable doing that.
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