In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, actress Indira Krishnan opened up about her role as Paani Bai in the show Durga. She discussed how she shaped the character, the inspiration she drew from Shabana Azmi, and her thoughts on comparisons to Supriya Pathak’s role in Ram Leela.
How would you describe Paani Bai?
Paani Bai is a strong, bold, and skilled character. She is raw and grounded, making her very real.
Do you think Paani Bai is similar to Dhankor from Ram Leela?
Not really. I loved Supriya Pathak’s portrayal of Dhankor, but Paani Bai is different. Though the look with the bindi and accessories might be similar, the character itself is distinct. I took inspiration from Shabana Azmi’s role in Godmother. I watched that movie multiple times to understand how Shabana Azmi conveyed so much power through her simple appearance and body language. For Paani Bai, I’ve added more entertainment elements since it’s a daily show, including a bit of humor, an evil smile, and a mischievous tone.
How is it working with Pranali Rathod and Aashay Mishra?
Both of them are incredibly talented. I’m not saying this just because they’re Pranali and Aashay, but their dedication to their characters, Durga and Anurag, is impressive. Aashay also sings and plays the guitar, making him fun to be around on set. Pranali is very sweet, and our on-screen chemistry as Paani Bai and Durga has been well-received. I get a lot of messages from fans about how much they love our interactions.
What are the differences in work ethics between the TV and film industry?
There is a big difference. I’m grateful to television for giving me amazing opportunities to grow as an actor. In films, you work with bigger names and have more time to prepare, which means the pressure and expectations are higher. For example, I’m currently playing Kaushalya in Ramayana with Ranbir Kapoor, and it’s a very different experience from TV.
Television, on the other hand, has its own challenges. You don’t get as much time to perfect everything, and you have to work quickly. However, TV also allows you to play bigger and more impactful characters. A lot of big stars have started working in television, and it’s no longer seen as a smaller medium.
How do you transition from one role to another?
Before taking on a new role, I like to study the character thoroughly. I observe how people move, talk, and behave, and I make notes about what I see. I also do a lot of preparation for my roles in television. I believe in doing my homework so that I can bring something fresh and authentic to the screen.
For those unfamiliar, Indira Krishnan has played notable roles in films like Holiday, Tere Naam, and Chatur Singh Two Star. She also portrayed Rashmika Mandanna’s mother in Animal. On TV, she is best known for her work in shows like Krishnaben Khakhrawala, Yeh Hai Chahatein, and Dhruv Tara. You can catch Durga every day at 7:40 pm on Colors TV and Jio Cinema.
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