Sadiya Siddiqui says, ‘Thakurma like characters present a unique opportunity to flex your acting muscles’!

What made you come on board to play Thakuma in Barrister Babu?

I have worked with Shashi Sumeet Productions in the past and it was quite a pleasant experience. I love the shows they produce and the unique stories that they craft. Their characters are very real and rooted. Also, I was thinking of getting back to work, and when this character was narrated to me, I thought this was the best chance to return to television. Thakuma is a very interesting character, and I am sure that viewers might not like her too much, but they will surely enjoy the drama that she brings in the show.

Is it tough portraying Thakuma considering your views might differ from her?

Of course, it is quite challenging to play a character like Thakuma. The kind of outlook that she has towards the roles of men and women is something that I don’t agree with. But for an artist, such characters present a unique opportunity to flex your acting muscles. Throughout my career, I have realised that the best-written characters are the most difficult to play, and I will have to say that it is definitely a challenge to play Thakuma! But I am doing my best, and the cast are all so supportive that they make my job a little easier.

How was it bonding with Bondita considering you are creating a lot of trouble with her on the show?

She is a very intelligent and an adorable child. And I love working with children as their energy inspires me. On the first day of the shoot, Aura, who plays Bondita, was a bit scared of me considering the role that I am playing. But very soon we broke the ice, all thanks to a misplaced delivery. After that, she got a little more comfortable with me and now I am in complete awe of her! She is a very smart actor and I am sure she will do very well, and I wish her all the success in life.

Any apprehensions about acting during Covid times?

While I was a bit apprehensive shooting during these times considering I have my mother who I was worried about.. But then it was she only who encouraged me to take the role as she saw that I was getting so bored at home. Also, when I spoke to the executives at Shashi Summet Productions, they assured me that they are taking all precautions. When I came on the set, I saw the level of safety, I was relieved and could give all my attention to the show.