International Women's Day: Indian actress lauds 'bold' OTT character

What does it take for a girl from a small town in India with no showbiz connections to brave the odds and make a huge splash with her debut in India’s entertainment industry?

For Asheema Vardaan, who pays the bold and brash Devika Dharam Dwivedi or ‘Dev DD’ in the popular ALTBalaji web series Dev DD (tagged as the story of a modern day girl with unlimited drama), it seems to be a case of life imitating art.

We caught up with the actress over Zoom to talk about the second season of Dev DD, which is streaming now. Asheema who was initially daunted by the challenges of playing a role that she says was “totally out of her comfort zone” admits that Devika’s independence is the characteristic that she personally related to, and this no doubt gave her attempts in bringing the character to life a huge push.

“When I started back in 2016 and saw the script of Season 1, I told my director that I wouldn’t be able to play this role because I am nowhere near this character. But we did a pretty long workshop (two months); I think I worked really hard on the character and it was difficult for me, but now it isn’t because I am more like Devika now in real life! The best part is, whenever I go out and people, especially boys who don’t know me, think ‘if we say something wrong to her she will slap us or punch us’.”

And while the show was tagged as a modern take on the classic Devdas, where Devika plays the hero with two suitors, Asheema insists it is so much more.

“I personally don’t relate it to Devdas because the show has been adapted to the sensibilities of today’s youth. It is the story of Devika - her life, her complex character, how she deals with things, how rebellious she is.”

What is it about Devika’s personality she loves best and can relate to most?

“One characteristic I personally relate to is the ability to be independent. She’s in love with this guy, and his parents come home with the rishta which is good for any girl, right? You and your boyfriend’s marriage is being discussed and agreed upon by both families. But then she realizes, you know what, I don’t want to marry him and sit at home. I want to make my own identity. So I think I personally relate to that aspect because my mother always used to say, you know Asheema, it doesn’t matter if you marry into a ‘big’ family. Your identity is your own and when you’ll have your own identity and self-respect you’ll be able to love yourself and you’ll be happy in life.”

The initial response to Dev DD was overwhelming, reveals Asheema who says doing Season 1 was a kind of “experiment”. “I’ve been blessed because I wasn’t expecting that (the reactions). When you are from a small town (Jammu) and you come into this industry and get an opportunity like this… I had thought to myself, Asheema, you don’t belong to a film background. You don’t know anyone. So if you are getting an opportunity where you are playing not the ‘female lead’ but the hero of the show - you are literally the face of the show, what more do you want? Plus it’s a legit production house - Balaji.”

But despite getting positive reactions and garnering praise for her performance, Asheema admits getting work in the industry is tough. “I met so many casting directors - saying ‘Asheema you were so great’, ‘you will get work’ - what I personally feel is that if someone really likes your talent and wants to help you they’ll help you, right? But they just say all this and then they go away. So really, if you like me so much, if you like my acting skills so much why are you not giving me work? After a big hit show, I still had to look for work. I won’t deny it and there’s no shame in admitting it. Post Season 1, it was still difficult for me.”

Tough times and strong women

Many actors have faced tough situations especially during the Covid lockdown when work had come to a standstill and mental health issues came more and more into focus. Even in normal times, actors struggle to find work. How does she deal with low periods in her life, and disappointing situations?

“I remember there was a time when I was feeling very low. I was in the balcony of my flat and I started crying. The sun was setting and it was very depressing for me, it wasn’t beautiful at all. I thought about how time was passing and as a woman, I am aging, after a certain age you don’t get certain type of roles.. I thought about the future, about a life partner and wondered, till when will I struggle like this? So I felt really bad, and all of a sudden my mother called up and I couldn’t control my tears. I shared that I was not feeling good and asked her advice. She said, it is taking a little time now, but you keep at it. You have gone to Mumbai for a purpose. So things will happen in your favour but just don’t give up.”

Asheema credits her mother for her positive outlook towards work and life. “If I feel down I call up my mother and she is the one who is always there to support me, and my sister and father also. If I have to name the strongest person in my family that would be her. Mentally she is so strong. I want to be like her, if I achieve even ten per cent of the things she’s done I will be successful to be very honest.”

WOMEN’S DAY WATCH

Streaming now: Dev DD 2

Asheema talks up Dev DD as “a beautiful story of a young independent woman who is a rebel, who is here to fight and here to stay.” Apart from showcasing the life and loves of a strong-willed central female character, the show which features Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi actor Sanjay Suri, also turns the spotlight on important social issues like LGBTQ awareness and female foeticide in India. Season 2, she reveals, has some surprises in store. “Season 1 was just a trailer for Season 2 - the characters are more complex and we are introducing two new primary characters - Paritosh who plays my love interest, and Aditi (Nauheed Cyrusi). Plus a special wedding is happening!”