I became an actor by mistake: Mouni Roy

Naagin actor Mouni Roy reveals that she had thought of taking up a job “behind the camera” before she made it big on the small screen.

Mouni Roy has been part of many television shows since she made her acting debut with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (KSBKBT). But it was the hit TV show Naagin, which ended in June, that brought her immense success. Here, the actor talks about her career, doing different roles on TV, and more.

Mouni Roy feels, as an actor, her job is to perform to the best of her ability. But people’s expectations can be unnerving.

What kept you busy post the show?
I was already hosting the reality show So You Think You Can Dance (India). I was also busy with various television stage shows. I caught up on my reading, and travelled too. I took short trips to Thailand, Kerala and Rajasthan.

What attracted you to acting?
I became an actor by mistake. I am a creative person. I like painting, singing, dancing, etc. I was active in street theatre in college, and I was part of the choreography society in Miranda House (Delhi). I even wrote my dissertation on Habib Tanvir (Urdu playwright) in Jamia Millia Islamia (Delhi), where I was pursuing my MA. I didn’t have any plans to act, as I thought I would take up a job behind the camera. But, life had its own plans for me. In fact, every time I plan things, they never happen. I was keen on doing another show when I was offered Mahadev. I felt that the script of the other show was better. But then Mahadev became successful, and I realised I was meant to do this.

Do you approach a show with expectations of success?
No. On television, there isn’t much scope to do different roles. I try to bring some new shades to my roles, and I try to play them differently. I think I have been able to manage that pretty well. Krishnatulsi in KSBKBT was a girl next door, Meera in Junoon was a fiery Delhi girl, Sati was a mythological character in Devon Ke Dev – Mahadev, and then, of course, I played Shivanya, the snake woman.