In the age of live streaming, TV serials have taken a backseat. TV stars who used to rule television are now venturing into web space. Yeh Hein Mohabbatein fame actress Divyanka Tripathi made her web debut with Alt Balaji and ZEE 5’s Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala, a romantic comedy about Chef Nitya and ‘International’ Chef Vikram. The series has managed to create a buzz and the duo’s chemistry has been appreciated by viewers. In an exclusive interview with Thestatesman.com, Divyanka spoke about the show and her experience with co-actor Rajeev Khandelwal.
(Excerpts from the interview)
With Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala, you’ve made your web debut. How was your experience in this space?
Like films, creating a web series also requires a lot of effort. Initially, I didn’t know what I was entering into. I worked on my character sketch and looks because I had to look different from anything I had done in the past. I even changed my hairstyle and body type. I was working on three shows simultaneously. Going through three different zones, was indeed fun. I really love living a hectic life.
What do you feel about your first collaboration with Rajeev Khandelwal?
It was an amazing experience. Rajeev was so professional and everything went so smooth for both of us. Everything was so nice and peaceful. We were just perfect together. He is a very good co-actor and a thorough professional. It was easy for both of us to work together. When acting skills come with professionalism, it’s a delight on sets.
How well your characters go with the title of the show?
Our characters go extremely well with the title. By now, people must have known what exactly Chef Nitya is. Nitya is more of Chicken Masala, having an aggressive and versatile personality. She runs a strict kitchen and one can easily feel that anger in her cooking style.
Being the most sought-after ‘Bahu’ of the TV industry, what made you opt for such a bold show?
I didn’t know it was going to be a bold one. I heard its one-liner story, so it was difficult for me to assume how bold it can be. It was a constant fight with oneself. I pushed myself both internally and externally and thankfully everything went well.
The whole show revolves around cooking, what do you cook the best?
I just don’t like cooking. I only love eating (giggles). Frankly speaking, neither I get time to cook nor am I very passionate about it. Unlike my sister, I don’t have such a passion to cook new dishes. I only cook when I need to impress my husband, Vivek.
You’ve come a long way indeed, describe your entire journey in one line.
It has been a learning experience because I was never a trained actress. So, every day I learn something new.
( Divyanka Tripathi was present at a store launch of Godrej in Delhi)