The role in City of Dreams needed me to be in a zone: Priya Bapat

For Aamhi Doghi (2018) actor Priya Bapat, a medium has never really made a difference. It has always been about content, the team, and of course the director. Her next project, City of Dreams, a web series directed by Nagesh Kukunoor not only marks her debut in the digital space but also has her playing a completely different character.

Priya is glad that the series was treated like a film. Having said that, she quickly adds, “It is a difficult medium. A film is three hours and you know how to go about it. In the digital space, you are talking about 10-hour-long episodes which are like shooting for five films. The director has to treat the entire story in a particular format, which is not as easy as it is for a film. Without trivialising it, I would say it is like a half marathon, and not like a 100 metre sprint. But, I am no way comparing it with films in terms of elements and treatment.”

Her role demanded her to look and behave in a certain way. And, Priya did go the extra mile to fit into the shoes of the character. In real life, Priya is known for her carefree approach and no-nonsense temperament. “But, for this role, I had to mentally prepare myself by being in a zone. I got into my own space. I did not hang out much, I did not go out often. I spent time with closed people who understood my preparation. I had to bring in a lot of calmness in me,” she says.

Priya also met Nagesh often, to understand his idea of the character. “I wanted to know his vision of my character, and how does he see me portray it,” she says.

The show on Hotstar specials, will also see her paired with actor Siddharth Chandekar after Vazandar (2016). The duo were paired romantically opposite each other in the film, whereas here they play siblings. “We did joke about playing siblings in the first few days. Honestly, we have known each other for a long time. So our chemistry and equation helps translate on screen. Also, we do fight and argue like siblings, so it was easy, she says with a laugh.”

First Published: Apr 26, 2019 12:41 IST