Sunday, 04 July 2021 | Musba Hashmi
MUSBA HASHMI speaks with GOURI TONNK about why she chose to quit Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, how she believes in taking care of herself and her mantra for a successful marriage
What is keeping you busy these days?
My family, Instagram and other social media platforms. I am focusing on my health and busy taking care of my children and husband.
How has your life changed after your second child?
Mothers have to be on their toes no matter how young or old her child is. I am proud that I decided to bring my second child into this world 13 years later than my first one. I face different challenges with Pari, who is 17 and Myrah, who is four. But, I make sure that I am teaching both my girls to be independent. With Myrah particularly, I always keep a close watch on my behaviour. A few days back, she was crying because she unable to pronounce a word. I told her that nothing comes naturally to us, we all prepare for it. Now, when I am teaching her to do this, I have to replicate the same. I can’t get angry if things are not working my way, I have to be patient and always think before reacting to a situation, because my daughter will only imitate my actions and words.
With two children, does it become difficult to make time for yourself?
Not at all. This is because my family knows I need my time and space and they support me in it. I know that only if I am healthy, both physically and mentally, then only I can take care of them. They respect my decision and know my routine. I don’t shy away from spending that me time. I do my yoga everyday and work on my fitness equally. And it doesn’t mean you are being selfish. Self-love and selfish are two different things.
Your character in Shakti Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki received a lot of love. What made you quit the show?
Even I loved to play Parmeet Singh. But, the reason was that the shooting was happening in Haryana and when the lockdown was announced my family was in Mumbai. I didn’t know where the shooting will take place. Things were already so difficult and I thought that it was best to stay with my family during that phase. Hence, with a heavy heart I decided to leave the show. There were a lot of people who asked me why am I quitting such a successful show, but I did what I think was right at that time. It was a tough choice, but I had no option.
Was it hard to detach from the character?
Yes, it was. More so, because I am the kind of person who takes time to detach from characters. I give my all to the characters I play, and when you have to leave them, it’s definitely tough. I used to video call my co-actors and they told me how much they missed me. There was not a single time when I didn’t mention the show at my house.
Yash Tonk and you are like a power couple of the industry. What is your mantra for a successful marriage?
It is the chemistry that we share. When you are family, your thinking has to change. You have to think about every member of the family. Our family is not only Yash, my daughters and I, but it comprises my mother and my in-laws too. We all are so connected. We respect everyone and care for everyone, that is our mantra.
What kind of roles attract you?
It has to be negative ones. I thoroughly enjoy playing such characters. There’s a lot you can explore while playing such roles.
There are people who troll you for such roles. How do you feel about it?
I don’t care much about that. In fact, it means that I am able to justify my character and it worked well. Your fans are trolling you on the basis of the show; they don’t even know you, so actually it’s a compliment. I feel bad when people don’t talk about it. It just means that you are acting is hitting the right chord with the audience.
Your daughter is turning 18 next month. Any advise that you are giving to her with respect to social media and the trolls?
I want my daughter to learn things on her own. I don’t want to preach or teach her. Even, I experienced things and learnt lessons on my own. I know she is capable of finding out what is good or bad for her.
Do you have any regrets?
Not at all. I don’t live with regrets. I believe if you have done a project, it must have taught you something that will help you in your life some day or the other. If I wouldn’t have done something, I would have learnt something new that would have helped me in future.
What is there in the pipeline?
My short feature film (Un)Sanskari released this week on YouTube. I have done something different in it. Also, I promise to be back on TV soon that too with something exciting.
