'Hard work is in my DNA'

Talented Tisca Chopra, of Taare Zameen Par, talks about her work ethic and experience of working with Aamir Khan.

She was malevolence personified in her portrayal as Mallika in the Indian television serial Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki. Then she played a dutiful woman in another tele-serial, Sarrkkar. Tisca Chopra has always managed to shock audiences with her choice of roles. Will her latest release Taare Zameen Par place her in the A-list of stars?

Excerpts from the interview:

Why did you decide to do Taare Zameen Par (TZP)? Was it working with Aamir Khan that made you accept the film?
TZP is Aamir Khan Production No 2 after Lagaan and Aamir Khan has directed it. It is one of the best scripts I have ever read and I have a fabulous role. Need I say more?

Did Aamir's penchant for perfection scare you as an actress?
Aamir likes to do his work properly and I feel the same way about my work. So, there was no question of pressing the panic button. Besides having a terrific sense of timing, he also possesses a fine dramatic instinct. He knows exactly where to pick up a scene and where to play it down.

What was the most taxing moment of working with him as a director?
There was lots to learn from him almost everyday. I have tried to absorb the fine nuances of acting during our schedules. He is a most generous actor whose only interest is the film. He does not put himself ahead of the film, though he can. And he took excellent care of his actors during shooting. He created an atmosphere where it was possible for one to speak one's mind and do one's work to the fullest extent. At late-night shoots, he played word building games to keep us awake and mentally alert even though he was completely over worked.

You're not being seen much on TV now. Is it because it demands long hours?
Are you kidding? My dad is a school principal and my mum a teacher. My brother and I were told from an early age that if we were caught wasting our time, we'd have to do the dishes or the ironing. There is no possibility of me ever thinking of long hours as being a deterrent to doing work. Hard work is in my DNA. In fact, films shifts are also at 12 hours these days, the same as television.

You have dabbled in films, television and theatre. Which medium do you like best?
As an actor my job is to act, not judge the medium of work. My priority is to find different kind of roles, wherever they may come from and, of course, to work with sensitive directors. I've just finished a series on Star called Main Hoon Na. I am rehearsing a play and doing films. So there is variety in the acting which I choose to do.

Would you accept a negative character again for the small screen?
Actually the negative character is far harder because it's quite different from me. I am a very nice girl. I will play any role anywhere if the script is good and I feel I can do something new. I want to steer clear of being type-cast and hope to have no image. I am a committed actor. The only image I foresee is synonymous to a blank canvas so that directors can visualise me in varied role portrayals.