AN INTERVIEW WITH THE MOTHER OF JHILIK (MAHUA HALDER)

When we hear the word ‘Jhilik’ a picture that strikes in our mind is the word ‘MAA’. Yes, you have guessed it right, we are talking about the super hit mega TV serial. One of the most interesting fact associated that the TV series even ended with a bang. Even after 3 years of its last episode we still talk about it. We always had an inquisitive mind about how really the mother of Jhilik is in her real life. We went straight into her mind and found out a lovely human being herself. Even you can also relate to her personality. She is none other than Mahua Halder. TNI Representative Smt. Swarnali Goswami had a close Tete-e-Tete with her. We now present some excerpts of the whole discussion.

TNI: Let’s start with a common question. Why acting? Was it a childhood dream or a derived passion out of circumstantial stimulation?

Mahua: You can say that it was a childhood dream. I was a TV addict and also a learner of dance (like all other Bengali girls), so it was acting all the way into my mind which came naturally. My parents didn’t let my aspirations go down.

TNI: Any common hurdles in acting career?

Mahua: Not as such. I am basically from Durgapur. After completion of my studies, I was admitted in an acting training school in Kolkata by my father. Indrani Haldar used to be my mentor. She gave me some opportunity in her projects and gradually I got many offers and likewise.

TNI: No doubt TV series “MAA” have made you a household name in Bengal. People liked your role in it and you have touched the heart of most of the Bengalis. How do you analyse your life pre and post “MAA”?

Mahua: Yes, it had brought me laurels but I already said that I am from Durgapur and I know it better to be walking on the ground rather than in the sky. I never allowed myself to be changed despite popularity. One of the main reasons behind is that I am still learning.

TNI: What are you doing now?

Mahua: I am currently working on some Bengali Film projects. I have just returned from Mumbai. I have attached myself with drama also. So I am busy in some shows also. I am also busy in ‘Zee Bangla Originals”.

TNI: Great, how do you adjust yourself in Tollygunj celebrity world being from a simple small town family?

Mahua: I was a disciplined child from the beginning. I have never changed in that aspect. I wake up early (as against my friends smilingly) and like to live a life with all things place in right places. I try to go to the sets in time, try to learn from seniors, obey the directors etc. Most of the directors call me an obedient student (Laughs). Earlier I was a spects worn, least talkative girl who never use to visit the beauty parlours, never used to were funky dresses etc. However, with the passage of time, those have changed a lot. To keep tempo with my profession I follow the routine as recommended or required. However, overall I remain the same human being as before.

TNI: You said that you have acted in theatre. How do you rate the two media of arts?

Mahua: For me it’s first the electronic media then theatre. As usual, there are many chances of modifying oneself if it’s the electronic media i.e. audio visual. However, those are absent in theatre. Everything is live. I have to realise my acting solely by the expression of the viewers directly both positively and negatively. So, comparatively, it’s a bit difficult in the theatre. However, the theatre has more life than TV because accolades reach me directly in the theatre, unlike the TV or Cinema.

TNI: How do you spend your leisure?

Mahua: Leisure is very less in my life. Still, if happens I prefer to go to watch movies in the theatre and not the TV. Theatre is the right medium to watch detailed performances with intricacies. Apart from this, I love to interact with my friend both present and childhood. I like to gossip (Adda) with them.

TNI: Anything favourite in the food category?

Mahua: Yes, of course. I am diehard Biriyani fan. Even if I am full I would again try a shot if the item is Biriyani. Moreover, I am not at all a feast-out kind of person. I like to have home cooked food like ‘Posto’. I have a very favourite item of mine i.e. hot boiled rice served with Aalu Seddo (Boiled and Smashed potato) along with Ghee and green chillies.

TNI: Is there any character you want to play?

Mahua: (After thinking) I don’t have anything like that but I am a fan of Kajal. I don’t want to minimise any other actress’s contribution. However, I would like to do any character what Kajal had acted in her lifetime. I would like to make it in my way. Above all, I want to work in good films. Since I am a trained dancer so I would rather prefer a dance lead role in projects.

TNI: What was the experience of doing work with Sudeshna Roy, Abhijit Guha in the latest telefilm “Akashchoa” for Zee Bangla Cinema?

Mahua: That was an excellent experience. We all team members worked together in fun. The team was very disciplined and has a hard working mentality but we didn’t feel the pressure. The work was done smoothly. Sudeshnadi and Ranada are very caring to all of us. They know how to bring out the work from actors.

TNI: We have to wrap it up now. One last question. I would like to know from you for the young artists and the child artists that if these youngsters take acting as their profession then what would be your suggestion?

Mahua: I would say that if they want to be actors then also they should do their studies in first preference. For any profession, the basic academics are a must. An actor should know the character he/she is performing for that education help most. They should also become disciplined in their lifestyle and should also be down to earth. Today viewers tend to forget even the superhit characters in the mega serials. So, it is important to be a learner rather than considering oneself as a celebrity from within.