EXCLUSIVE - Jennifer Winget: Love to me means being kind and happy with each other
Jennifer Winget speaks to Pinkvilla about why she chose to do a role like Maya, about her camaraderie with co-stars Kushal Tandon and Aneri Vajani and much more.
Starting off as a child artist to playing the bold and beautiful Maya, Jennifer Winget's career graph is nothing short of an inspiration. Jennifer has been slaying in all her avatars be it a 'sati-savitri' bahu to being the rendezvous diva. At a time when popular faces refrain from taking up negative roles, Jennifer broke the stereotype and how!
Currently seen in Beyhadh, the actor is ecstatic about the show getting an extension.
In an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, Jennifer spoke about why she chose to do a role like Maya and about her camaraderie with co-stars Kushal Tandon and Aneri Vajani and much more.
Here's an excerpt from the interview:
What was it about the character Maya that intrigued you and why did you take up such a negative role?
Beyhadh and the character I am playing is one of a kind character which I hadn't done before and that is what stood out for me too. Secondly, as an actor, it is always exciting and interesting to take up new roles and challenges. Maya was one such character and I am very glad I took it up.
What was the biggest challenge of playing Maya?
I don't see it as a challenge because I think when you enjoy your work, nothing really comes across as challenging. Playing Maya has been really fulfilling and we have crazy and heavy scenes which we do like every day but at the end of the day, it makes us happy. I don't take it as a challenge, I take it as an opportunity.
However, isn't it difficult to play a character who is eccentric?
Of course, it is because there are so many layers to this character and there are certain things which are not in the script but since you have been playing this character for so long, you kind of think like that character. There are so many things which you add and subtract, it is all a very fulfilling experience and I think the difficulty of it is the fun part of it.
Given that the character is so strong and violent, did it ever take a toll on you?
No, if you have been acting for a long time, you know how to move on. You know when to switch on and switch off. There are times when you finish heavy scenes and then you think how could you do it better but it never really takes a toll on me.
Your show got an extension recently. How does it feel?
That's amazing. It can't get better than that when people don't want the show to end. People want to see the show even more, so I was very happy about it but at the same time, I don't want the show to go on for so long because then they have a limited story and then once it gets exhausting, no point dragging it.
How has the journey been so far?
It's been amazing like, literally. When we do a show in a month or two, the excitement dies down but with Beyhadh every day is exciting. I read something and I am like what is this. Every day has been a constant growth in the character. I feel so happy and proud of the entire team for making Beyhadh what it is.
How is your camaraderie with your co-stars Kushal Tandon and Aneri Vajani?
It is amazing, it is what you see in our offscreen pictures. When you work with people for so long, you obviously build a rapport. It is very easy, breezy and fun.
Maya is an obsessive lover but what does 'love' mean to Jennifer?
Love means being kind to each other. Love means being happy and it is that magical feeling which you get around people you love. Be it friends, family. It could mean different to different people but to me, it is just being kind and happy with each other.
If not shooting, we see you busy with photoshoots. Do we say that you are a workaholic?
(Laughs) I really enjoy working. It doesn't tire me. I think if you just prioritize what you want to do, it shouldn't be a problem. It is fun and I enjoy it so it doesn't bother me. So it is not like I have to do anything extra, it is just natural.