INDIAN TELEVISION’S MOST EXCITING NEWCOMER ON HER HIT DRAMA SERIAL, FAST-GROWING FAN BASE AND INSPIRATIONS
by ASJAD NAZIR
Rising star Ashi Singh has lit up the popular TV serial Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai with her sparkling performance and bright personality.
The talented young actress has made such a stunning impact with her debut serial that she won her first award earlier this year and has one of the fast-growing fan bases on television.
Instead of letting all the attention go to her head, the hardworking 21-year-old has been concentrating on work and delivering winning turns on the 1990s-set romantic drama.
Eastern Eye caught up with the actress to speak about her success, drama serial, dedicated fan base, inspirations, the best advice she ever got and her hopes for the future.
What first connected you to acting?
It was nothing very specific, as I wanted to be an actress. During my childhood days, I used to dance and try mimicking what I saw on television. As I grew, my passion for dance and mimicry pulled me towards acting. I thought, maybe I can play different roles in my one lifetime.
How did you feel being in front of the camera for the first time?
Honestly, I was blank. I lost all my confidence while I stood alone in front of the camera. I didn’t know what I was doing or how to say my lines. I was so blank that I did not even hear saying action in the first place. I was so nervous.
How did you feel landing a lead role in Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai?
It felt amazing. I really don’t have words to explain it. I can’t really express how amazing it was to hear about playing the lead role. It was so unexpected, but it happened. That happiness to some level, thinking that I am the lead actress in a very good show with a great concept, is still there.
What has the whole experience of the show been like?
It’s a very good journey for me. This show has given me things that people can only dream of. It has given me lots of love, respect and a lifetime of experiences, which will help me in my career. It will also help me make good decisions in the future. I’ve really learned a lot from the show. I have grown as an actress, as well as a person.
Tell us your most memorable moment?
There’s not just one to mention, as there are so many. If I had to mention a few, they would be, when I received 73 cakes for my birthday and cutting each one of them. The time when I actually cried during my emotional scenes. (Laughs). All the pranks during the scenes and the backstage fun. But the one that will remain for a lifetime was at the 27th Annual Kalakar Awards on January 20, 2019, when I won the award for Best Debut Actress. That day cannot be forgotten. The award is the dream of every actor and I’m one of those lucky actors to receive it.
Are there any aspects of your character you relate to?
Since I wasn’t aware of the 1990’s life I couldn’t relate to it at the beginning. But eventually, I started relating to it a lot. Now I can’t really say what’s the difference between me and (my character) Naina.
Have you been surprised by the incredible love you have received from audiences?
Oh yes, a lot. I feel really blessed and happy. People love me unconditionally and they fight for me. They do care about my stress and pain. They pray for me to be happy. This is something which one cannot understand until he or she is blessed to experience it.
Tell us, how much does that rapidly-growing fan base mean to you?
For an actor, fans are their life. In reality, they are not my life, but my life is not complete without them like my life is incomplete without acting. They mean so much to me. This is something I wanted and now I am getting it. They have become a very important part of my life.
Have you got used to getting so much attention?
No, not yet. It’ll definitely take time for me to get used to all the attention. I still get conscious when people greet me. I feel shyer than my fans sometimes. I still think to myself, ‘is it happening for real, am I really that loved or lovable?’. Also, honestly, I don’t want to get used to it because then I’ll be greedy to make them more happy through my work and it’ll force me to work even hard. So, I don’t want to get used to it.
How did you feel being voted as the highest new entry in the 2018 50 Sexiest Asian Women In The World list?
I am still confused about my feeling regarding this. I didn’t consider myself as a sexy person. Then I saw my name there, and that too, as the highest new entry in the list. I was surprised, happy and it really built confidence in me.
What according to you makes a woman sexy?
In the beginning, I used to think a woman’s toned body or personality is what makes her sexy, but I don’t believe in that anymore. Now, I feel one’s confidence, high self-esteem and courage to face the world are what make them sexy. I want to tell every woman that ‘look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are sexy’, irrespective of the body structure or complexion. Because every woman is sexy in their own way.
What is the master plan going forward?
I don’t really have a master plan, but I do have a few things I want to do for myself. Right now, I am just going with the flow, enjoying everything and cherishing every moment of my life. I don’t want to stress myself at this age. I’ll continue working with honesty and dedication, because that’s what is giving me everything I want.
Can you see yourself making the leap to the big screen?
I really don’t have an answer to that. Since our industry is unpredictable, you don’t know what is waiting for you. But, yes, if I get a good opportunity I think I can do that. And I really wish to get some opportunities. I’m just praying and waiting for the right one.
What are your big passions away from work?
I am passionate about learning new things, irrespective of the field. I never stop myself from gaining knowledge because as our ancestors said, ‘no knowledge is a waste’. But, yeah, specifically, I’m passionate about interior designing.
Tell us something about you that not many people know?
I love to sing and ride bikes, although I’m still learning to ride properly. Other than that, I can’t think of anything. Actually, I am a very transparent person; if someone spends time with me they will easily know things about me. Sometimes it makes me stunned when fans say things about me and I start wondering, how can they know me so well.
If you could master something new what would it be?
I would want to learn brainwashing people so that I can stop this violence.
It really scares me to see violence against humans, animals and nature.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Never regret anything in life because at one point of life that’s exactly what you wanted. These words changed me completely.
What kind of film and television shows do you enjoy watching?
I love watching romantic movies and TV shows.
What inspires you?
At this stage of my life, whatever I have is because I worked hard for it. I knew that the only way of having or living a desirable life is to work hard. But to work hard and achieve what you want, you need to have an inspiration. My inspiration is the love and trust my family has in me. It inspires me even more to work hard when it’s acknowledged and appreciated by them. My another inspiration is my fans, who motivate me to work harder.
Why do you love being an actress?
I don’t have any specific reason for it. I believe you only do things you actually love and I have always loved acting. The reason to love acting is not only the fame and glamour, but also being able to do different roles in one lifetime. It gives me some kind of satisfaction to know an individual’s true self and understanding life from another person’s perspective, as every single human being has their own issues and way of seeing life. I also cannot deny that celebrity status gives you fame and makes your life glamorous, which is something everyone wants.
And finally, please give a message to your fans…
Never stop believing in yourself. Pursue what you actually love and live for it. It can be anything as that’ll give you inner peace and satisfaction. And also, it will keep you happy. Keep blessing me with your love because that will inspire me to work even harder.
