In talks with Sunayana Fozdar about acting, TV and lots more!
Having done drama, comedy, thriller and what not, Sunayana Fozdar is a proven versatile actress on Indian television. Just having packed up from her recent show Belan Wali Bahu, Sunayana has garnered a memorable place in everybody’s hearts with her quirky, chirpy and lively character Shalini. I remember how eagerly I used to wait for her pet dialogue- “Dekho wo aa gaya...dekho wo aa gaya…” One show after the other, Sunayana has always made a mark and shone brightly on the small screen. Stealing some time from her busy schedule, she shares with us her journey in the television industry, her favourites, her hobbies and her future plans.
Brandedgupshup: So how did it all start- what made you join the television industry?
Sunayana: I was always keen on dance and drama since childhood. Besides being a drama queen myself, I was into dancing and stage plays in school. When I was doing my B.Com in Mithibai College, a lot of casting directors used to come and ask me to audition, that's when I landed with my first advertisement assignment which was then followed with more ads and music videos. I remember once after giving audition for an advertisement, I was walking pass a bungalow which was over crowded. I was thinking to myself that I had given an average audition (grins) and was definitely not expecting a call back. But I did and that is how I was cast as the lead character in Santaan and thus TV happened!
Brandedgupshup: Which actor/actress from the television industry do you admire?
Sunayana: There are so many but if I must name a few- I have briefly worked with Supriya ji (Supriya Pilgaonkar). It’s a treat to watch her perform and she is a fabulous human being too! Jennifer Winget's performances have also been very inspiring in her recent shows- she has portrayed some drastically different and challenging characters and has broken the norms that a television lead character can only be positive.
Brandedgupshup: You made your television debut in 2009 with Star Plus show Santaan and then there was no looking back. You have done some memorable shows post that. Of all the roles you have played, which is your favourite and why?
Sunayana: Santaan happened in 2009 and after that, of all the roles I've played and shows that I have been a part of, ‘Ek Rishta Sajhedaari Ka’ which aired on Sony TV in which I played Priyanka has to be my favourite character. She was a perfect daughter, friend, wife, daughter-in-law and in every way- she loved and lived with so much positivity and passion like there was no tomorrow. In fact, I positively took a lot from the character in my personal life- portraying her made me a better person I can say for sure.
Brandedgupshup: Your latest show Belan Wali Bahu had a unique concept and doing a comedy show was a new experience for you as well. How was your experience playing Shalini?
Sunayana: It is easier to make the audience cry than laugh! ‘Belan Wali Bahu’ was my first attempt at comedy and it was such a rollercoaster ride. I hardly knew what was in store for me! I was the last to be cast in the show. The whole team and the 3 camera set ups were so overwhelming! I felt like a new comer with talented senior actors like Sudhir ji, Bhavna ji, Mushtaq ji and not to forget the super creative makers Dheeraj Sarna sir (also the protagonist, producer and writer of the show) and Deven Bhojani sir (also the director of the show). Initially I was just trying to fit in and then once I surrendered it was a crazy experience playing Shalini. She was this lazy, weird, crazy, selfish, funny, obnoxious character and all of this without being irritating was the tough part. She had to be cute and lovable which Dheeraj ji was very clear about. I am thankful to him that he trusted me with Shalini. One thing that only my dear ones know about me is that I am very goofy and funny personally and that crazy side had to be unleashed to play Shalini (winks). Belan Wali Bahu taught me that comedy is not a child’s play and camaraderie with your co actors is so important in a comedy- our whole team whether it's the senior actors or Krystle D Souza and Sikander Kharbanda made me so comfortable because of which I had an amazing chemistry with them. I am also thankful to my fans for encouraging me with an amazing response!
Brandedgupshup: When you get some time off from your acting schedules, what do you like to do?
Sunayana: An actor’s life is erratic in terms of schedules but when I get time, I love dancing so I try to learn new forms and am currently trying new fitness regimes. I get bored very easily with a set pattern or a gym so I try to do something new. I also love eating and trying out new cuisines, watching movies and catching up with friends. I try and take a vacay to off-beat places.
Brandedgupshup: What are your future plans with respect to your personal and professional life?
Sunayana: Professionally, I want to keep challenging myself by taking up characters that excite me. There are a lot of genres I want to explore- maybe a complicated love story etc., the list is endless. Personally I love travelling to off-beat places, preserve wildlife, do blogging and share my experiences about such places so that people become aware and can help in ways to benefit wildlife and tourism.
