Popular actress Nausheen Ali Sardar makes her comeback on the small screen with Zee TV’s new show Vasudha. Read on…

You are making a comeback with a strong character. Any reason why you chose this particular show?

I chose this show because my character Chandrika is incredibly powerful and layered, unlike anything I've portrayed before. The complexity of balancing her strict discipline while being compassionate intrigued me. It’s a role that challenges me as an actor and offe~an opportunity to explore new dimensions of my craft. Hence, this dynamic character felt like the perfect choice for my comeback.

Is Vasudha an adaption of the Zee Marathi show Paaru?

Yes, Vasudha is an adaptation of the Zee Marathi show Paaru, but it has been thoughtfully rewritten to resonate with the Zee TV audience. The setting now shifts to Udaipur, where we’ve re-imagined the characte~and storyline in sync with Rajasthani culture.

Chandrika is portrayed as a self-made woman of power, who lives by the rulebook and stands up for what is right. With such diverse characteristics, how do you think the audience will perceive her?

I believe the audience will see Chandrika as a powerful and deeply principled woman who commands respect because of her strict adherence to the rulebook. However, her heart of gold and unwavering commitment to doing what’s right will reveal her compassionate side, making her a character that resonates on multiple levels. While she seems diverse and unique as a person, every human, I believe, has his or her own ways of doing things while also having the correct moral compass while making decisions.

The show’s backdrop is the beautiful lake city - Udaipur, which is known for its rich cultural heritage. How was the experience of shooting in the city?

Shooting in Udaipur was an incredible experience that truly helped me grasp the cultural nuances to portray the role of Chandrika better. The city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant streets, and majestic lakes provided the perfect backdrop to bring Chandrika’s world to life. Filming in real Rajasthani locations allowed me to immerse myself in the character’s environment.

Given the high stakes of such a powerful role in a women-centric show, did you feel pressurised to do justice to the role and bring out its true essence?

Having played several key roles over the years, I did not feel pressurised as such. But I did feel nervous about being able to do justice to such a powerful role as well as excitement to play such a unique character, especially in a women-centric show. Chandrika’s character truly demands a strong balance of authority and empathy. To prepare for it, I delved deeply into her backstory. I also worked closely with the director to ensure that every nuance of her personality came through on screen. This role pushed me to give my best, and I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.