There are very few words that can bring out the precise magnificence of Chavvi Mittal’s beauty. She is not the typical blue eyed diva, nor the gorgeous young lady; rather Chavvi possesses the subtle quality which can charm anyone and everyone. After a long hiatus Chavvi is now back on the small screen, with her role Tulsi in Colors’ social drama Krishndasi.
We got into a pleasant chat with the lady, wherein she indeed cast a spell on us with her dignified answers and bright smile.
What kept you away from television for so long?
After getting married, I was busy enjoying my initial days of conjugal life. Then I got pregnant and very honestly, the initial phase was really enjoyable. But once I gave birth to my daughter I felt the urge of starting to work. I was working in ad films and wanted to take up some television projects. But I did not want to take up any venture just for the sake of doing it; rather I would make a comeback with something grand. And when I heard about Krishndasi, I couldn’t help but to give a positive nod to the project.
Tell us something about your comeback project Krishndasi.
Krishndasi is the story of devdasis of three generations, where I am playing the character of Tulsi. Tulsi has seen both the glorious past and decaying, fading tradition. While my mother holds the custom with a high esteem, my daughter is not at all aware about our past. Though the custom is prevalent in South India, we have kept it in Maharashtrian background.
You are playing the role of a mother of a grown up child at such a young age. Does it bother you or affect your career anyway?
See I believe motherhood is a universal feeling. When you are a mother, it doesn’t matter whether you are playing a motherly figure to a grown up or a baby. What matters the most for me is the depth and layer of the character, which can be brought to life only through performance.
Have you taken any references from any book or flicks?
I have consciously stayed away from that, as I believe when you look to someone in a scrutinizing manner, you tend to develop certain features of that person. And for the viewers it seems that one performer is copying the other one. So purposely I disconnect from everyone and prefer to be in a lone zone to get into the skin of the character. But, when I first heard about the concept of the project I did a bit of research and realized how painful the entire custom is.
You have also lent your voice for the title track of Krishndasi. How did it happen?
I have done two singing reality shows and have also done my masters in music. I have been trained in music from my childhood, as my mother is a professional. Just a day before the recording, I was informed by Ashish Rego (music composer) that I have to sing for the series. Without being in practice for many years I was very nervous and told Ashish to not have high hopes from me. Thankfully it turned out to be well, better than what I expected.
Being such an expert in the field of singing, haven’t you ever thought of taking it as a profession?
During my childhood, everyone thought that I will take up singing as a profession, but let me tell you that being a playback singer is not easy at all. Acting is far easier in comparison to singing. It needs daily, rigorous practice and I understood that the struggle for getting into the profession is not my cup of tea. Then acting happened to me, post which my riyaz (practice) completely stopped and I lost my touch with singing.
You are also popular for your videos ‘Shitty Ideas’ on digital platform. What do you have to say about that?
After we had the baby, me and my husband, Mohit got busy with our own lives. On our tenth anniversary we took a conscious decision of doing a project together. And there we conceived the idea of woman bashing, something what everyone loves. I am overwhelmed by the popularity that we have achieved because of these videos. Somehow, everyone loved the concept of woman bashing. I have often encountered people who give me looks for my character.
With digital media getting stronger, don’t you intend to come up with a series on television?
Digital media is for sure taking up the market, even the sponsors are coming on board. Hence, I am really happy with the reach of digital media. We do have plans to extend it. I met Rohit Shetty recently, who praised me for our series.
How does you little daughter react when she watches you on television?
She is three years old now and I remember once she saw me in some television commercial with other babies and she confronted me stating that she is my daughter and who was the other with whom I shot for the commercial (laugh). Currently as I am too tied up with my shoot, the past few days have been really tough for both of us, as we miss each other immensely. Having said that I would like to add that I had to start at some point of time and I want my daughter also to learn that a mother figure also works outside and how important it is to become a woman.
Hey lady, keep spreading your smile and all the best for your new show.