When you think of a dimple, a smile is what you imagine with it and this smile is exactly what you will find on the face of Dimple Jhangiani. The renowned Indian television actress, who just got married, shares her life in the real and reel world in an exclusive interview with the TLJ writer Divjot Kamboj.
“Sometimes, all I crave for is little space with a day without so much make-up and a night full of sound sleep.”
The Journey Of Dimple Jhangiani
When did you first know that you wanted to be an actor?
Dimple Jhangiani: I love dressing up and looking gorgeous. I have always been known to be late for the classes right from the school days. I think it won’t be wrong to claim that I have treasured to be a part of the glamour world since always.
How did your debut ‘Kuchh Iss Tarah’ shape the actor in you?
Dimple Jhangiani: When I got a call for my acting premier in the Tellywood, I thought it was some prank. But the casting crew assured me that they had auditioned 700 girls and still it was my face that they wanted for the role. I told Ekta (Kapoor) that I have no training in acting and she said, “Making you ready for the role is my job”. The set of ‘Kuchh Iss Tarah’ was my workplace as well as my classroom.
Which one has been your favorite role so far?
Dimple Jhangiani: Because of my innocent looks and ever-smiling face, I have usually got to play positive parts, be it ‘Kanya’ in ‘Kuchh Iss Tarah’,’ Nimrat’ in ‘Amrit Manthan’ or ‘Rajkumari Sandhya’ in ‘Raja ki Aayegi Baraat’. It was easy for me to relate to such roles. However, I got a chance to play a negative role as ‘Barkat’ in ‘Beintehaan’. It was a little challenging as I had to act like a sweet devil. This is what makes it my favorite, I guess.
How do you prepare for a role?
Dimple Jhangiani: I prepare through references. The creators refer some movies and episodes which I have to watch in order to understand what a role demands. With the script in hand, dialogues in mind, I rehearse facing the mirror till I am satisfied.
What is that one dream role you look forward to play onscreen?
Dimple Jhangiani: I always wanted to know as to how it is to play a negative role. That dream got fulfilled in ‘Beintehaan’. Now, I would love to hit the big screen with some positive role for a movie.
If not an actor, what profession would you have chosen?
Dimple Jhangiani: Initially I was in the media industry, employed in the client services department having a 9-5 job which I found boring. If I was not an actor, I would have been in that kind of set-up.
What show could you go on doing for years?
Dimple Jhangiani: I played a comedy role as Minty in Mrs. Pammi Pyaare-Lal. I find comedy difficult. Applying the glycerin and crying is an easier job for me. If given a chance to do any show for years, I would definitely go for a reality show. I love dancing and so anything like Nach Baliye or Jhalak Dikh laja would be great.
What is the strangest thing you have done for your onscreen roles?
Dimple Jhangiani: For some shots, I was asked to light a cigarette and puff it. I am completely against all this and doing it on the National television was the strangest thing to do, in my journey so far.
Have you ever been injured on the set?
Dimple Jhangiani: Oh yes! Once on the set of Kuchh Iss Tarah, there was some bike scene. I fell from the bike and my foot was fractured. However, you will be amazed to know how Ekta went on to weave the story around my accident and the shooting took place in the hospital where I was bed-ridden.
What is the worst part about being an actor?
Dimple Jhangiani: The days when you are shooting, there is absolutely no personal life. Day and night, your mind is full of ways to implement and improve your work. You are earning money but do not have time and energy to spend it anywhere. You are busy shooting even on your birthday. The only time you get to rest is while you are travelling. Sometimes, all I crave for is little space with a day without so much make-up and a night full of sound sleep.
The Very Beautiful Dimple Jhangiani
Tell us about your visit to Chandigarh?
Dimple Jhangiani: I am getting married this December. At the time of my pre-wedding shoot, I came across the designs of Rachit Khanna* through my stylist Sugandha Sood. Rachit’s work has a unique tang! I have come all the way from Bombay to Chandigarh with my fiancé Sunny to select some dresses for my wedding.
A piece of advice for the aspiring actors?
Dimple Jhangiani: I would say do not push yourself beyond a breaking point. In this entire race laden with struggle, give yourself specific time. Save your mind from getting burnt out. There is no stability in this field, not every time your hard work bears fruits. There is a lot of competition as well. We see many aspiring actors fly from small towns and come to the metro to try their luck. If your dream is to be a star both in the real and the reel world, keep holding onto it and it would soon be a reality.