'I have no problems playing a mother's role'

Simone Singh is back on television after a long time. After doing TV shows like Heena, Aandhi and Kasshish, she is seen playing a grey shade in a new serial Ek Hasina Thi on Star Plus. Metrolife in a candid chat with the artiste asked what kept her away from television for so long and how does she feel playing a totally different role that she has never played before.

“There was a phase when I wanted to quit from daily soaps. It was the time when every fictional show was turning into daily soaps,” says Simone. “You were asked to work for 28 days, day and night to shoot the show. There was no work-life balance. Somehow daily soaps were not turning out to be viable options for me. I just wanted time for myself,” clarifies Simone.

So what made her go for Ek Hasina Thi? “It was not a sudden decision to get back to television. Over the years the working of daily soaps has become organised and streamlined. It is not that you have to work constantly for a month keeping your personal life in the corner,” she says.

So, Simone, once again began readings scripts. She wanted to do something contrary to what she has done before. “I was looking for a character that was one-of-its-kind. Since I have never played a grey shade so far, Ek Hasina Thi intrigued me.  I decided to take up the project,” says Simone, who is playing the role of Sakshi Goenka in the show. Interestingly, she is also playing the role of a mother for the first time and that too of a spoiled brat in the show.

“I don’t think there is any problem playing a mother’s role. I never found it difficult because my character is in itself very strong,” she says.  Interestingly, Simone is still recognised for her show Heena, which garnered her immense popularity and made her a recognisable face all over. “It is a blessing that people still remember you for your work,” she says.

Since Heena was very popular and was rated number one show in 1998, Simone believes that today’s serial also have the potential to spread their charm as Heena did. “There have been a lot of changes in the TV industry today. The content has improved. There are no typical saas-bahu shows  instead there is reality, drama, fiction, comedy and all kind of genre shows on television. If any of the show has the potential, it can become
iconic,” she says.

Simone has also done cameos in films like Delhii Heights, 99, Marigold, Via Darjeeling and many more.  “While playing lead roles in daily soaps it becomes difficult to devote time to other projects. Whatever opportunities have come my way I have just tried to do justice to it,” she says, expressing her willingness to do films if any spectacular role is
offered to her.

Meanwhile, she did not try her luck with independent cinema. “I did not want to,” exclaims Simone.  “I think I was enjoying anchoring and hosting at that time when roles by independent filmmakers were offered to me. I would say I was not keen on taking acting assignments,” she says.