“It’s the kind of love story I want in my reel life,” says Kanika Mann on COLORS’ ‘Chand Jalne Laga’

COLORS’ new show, ‘Chand Jalne Laga’ stars Vishal Aditya Singh and Kanika Mann as Dev and Tara respectively. The story outlines the extraordinary journey of two childhood sweethearts, who once were each other’s sanctuary, but the cruel hand of fate pulls them apart. As the age-old wisdom goes, ‘Love is the fire that kindles the heart,’ ‘Chand Jalne Laga’ is that blazing fire, promising to be the most passionate love story of the year. Produced by Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Swastik Productions, ‘Chand Jalne Laga’ premieres on the 23rd of October and airs every Monday to Friday at 9:30 pm only on COLORS.

1. Tell us something about the show ‘Chand Jalne Laga’.
A. Chand Jalne Laga is a beautiful tale of love and fate’s twists. It delves into the lives of Dev and Tara, two childhood sweethearts whose destinies take unexpected turns, separating them only to bring them back together amidst new challenges. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque vineyard, this heartwarming narrative beautifully captures the evolution of their characters and the complexities of their relationship. With its rich storytelling and compelling character arcs, Chand Jalne Laga promises to take audiences on an emotional journey of rediscovering lost love. It’s the kind of love story I want in my reel life.

B. Tell us about your character in the show.
A. I’ll be seen essaying the role of Tara. She is a stunning and committed young woman who maintains a facade to hide her wounds. She’s making great strides in her career as an interior designer, and she is the peacemaker of her family. Underneath her composed exterior, Tara is haunted by the memories of her childhood friend, Dev.

2. How did you prepare for this role? How different is it from the roles you played earlier?
A. Tara is a confident, intellectual, and resilient girl who fears nothing. As a kid, she was frightened of nearly everything, but over the years, she has become independent and self-assured. I think the best preparation for an actor is reading the script thoroughly. It helped me understand the character’s background, motives, and emotions. Embodying Tara comes very naturally to me because she and I have so many traits in common.

3. The show’s teaser has generated a lot of excitement. What was your reaction to seeing all the appreciation?
A. As an actor, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as receiving appreciation from the audience for a project. I was genuinely touched by the staggering number of reshares the teaser garnered and the heartfelt messages from my family and friends. This kind of love inspires me to give all to a project and entertain the viewers through a story worth their time.

4. What is your approach toward selecting a role or project?
A. The quality of the script and the overall story have been my primary considerations. I look for well-written, engaging, and challenging roles that allow me to showcase my craft and connect with the viewers. I’m drawn to complex and multi-dimensional characters. I want roles that give me a chance to explore a character’s emotional range and growth throughout the story. It’s great to have a project that can challenge me artistically and push my boundaries. I’m inclined to consent to a project if it diversifies my portfolio or marks my foray into a genre. Ultimately, there is an element of intuition involved in an actor’s decision-making process.

5. How is your equation with your co-star Vishal Aditya Singh?
A. Working alongside immensely talented actors like Praneet Bhatt Sir, Nassir Khan Sir, and Vishal has been an exhilarating and enriching experience. The dedication they bring to the project inspires me. Vishal is a very supportive co-actor, and we bring out the best in each other. I can’t wait to know what the viewers think of us as a fresh pair. I count myself fortunate to have formed a bond with my co-stars during our time on the show.

6. Is your appearance in the teaser inspired by Alia Bhatt’s look in the movie ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani’?
A. My appearance in the teaser is not inspired by the movie. Tara’s look was designed to suit the character and the narrative of our show. The plot of the show and the characters are unique. However, if people have drawn these parallels, I think it’s flattering. I take it as a compliment.

7. How challenging was it for you while shooting the teaser? Could you share some anecdotes from it?
A. Shooting the teaser was an incredible experience, but it had its fair share of challenges. We were working against tight deadlines and contending with unpredictable weather conditions. I recall that we had to film the saree scene of the teaser and it was getting quite windy. It was challenging to maintain continuity, but the entire team came together, and we captured some stunning shots. Kudos to the cast and crew for making it happen.

8. Lastly, what would you like to say to your fans and the viewers eagerly awaiting your presence in ‘Chand Jalne Laga’?
A. I am overwhelmed by the love and support viewers have shown to the promo. This project is very close to my heart, and I hope to live up to your expectations. I promise to entertain you and bring Tara to life with everything I have. Thank you for all the appreciation. Stay tuned for an incredible love story.