South film star Flora Saini, who is basking in the success of Stree, and now Gandii Baat 2, where she is playing an episodic bisexual, comes across as a very honest actor.
For unlike her, normally most film and web artists will never admit that they want to do TV, given its creative baggage. Her other Hindi film projects include Begum Jahan and Guddu Ki Gun.
Says Flora, “I want to do TV for its huge reach and money on offer, but somehow, I always get rejected for some or the other reason. Last year I had done a one-episode cameo in Sony show, Meri Sai, and I am still being recognized for the same. This just goes to show how deep TV has penetrated.”
“After playing an unseen ghost in Stree, I have got several small-screen supernatural offers. I also auditioned for the lead character of Nazar (played by Monalisa) but could not do it due to date issues. Later I was called for the other chudail character, which too did not pan out over creative issues.”
“I also unsuccessfully tested for a cameo character in the new Colors Vishkanya show, Sitara. Then I was called for the good character of the four poison women, but there again something went awry. Personally, I prefer cameo over long-running TV characters, for they give me time for my films and web series.”
Apart from Gandii Baat 2, she has a few other digital projects up her sleeve. “There is another ALTBalaji show called Cartel. Then I am also a part of Inside Edge 2, followed by Aisha my Girl Friend 3. These are only confirmed projects; I am also in talks for a few more.”
“I have no problem in playing the TV vamp. Who would not want to possibly walk in the shoes of Komolika (Urvashi Dholakia)? Also, TV content per se is slowly getting better, with shows like 24 and Everest, helmed by big film makers. Web scores over TV on this count, as we can really be experimental. And it is not hemmed in run length which afflicts cinema. Her next Hindi feature, Fraud Saiyaan, will hit theatres next week.
Flora had no qualms about doing the above bisexual scene, for “As an actor, I should be free to do what I take. I am very clear in my head that I am just playing a character, period. Internally I was ready for trolling, as other actresses who went bold had to endure. But it was heartening to see that my efforts were appreciated. I guess the fact that those scenes were shot aesthetically made all the difference. And last but not the least, we also need to accept that there is demand for such content. The fact that we have got good viewership should seal this debate.”
Way to go, girl!!
