Smita Sable

Smita Sable says, “Despite auditioning for a negative role, I was chosen to play Dhaniya”!

Smita Sable has captured audiences’ attention with her remarkable performance as #Dhaniya in #&TV’s Bheema. Her portrayal brings a depth of authenticity and emotion to the role. Reflecting on her journey with the character, Smita discusses the challenges she faced and her experiences in playing the role.
How much are you enjoying playing Dhaniya in Bheema?
The positive and appreciative response from viewers has been overwhelming and reaffirms that I made one of the best choices of my career. I’ve received messages about the bond between Dhaniya and Bheema, and how Dhaniya has become a role model for mothers who face challenges in educating their children.
Tell us more about your character, Dhaniya!
Dhaniya is a caring and supportive mother who prioritizes her family’s well-being. Her advocacy for her daughter, Bheema’s education, despite societal challenges, is a testament to her nurturing spirit. Despite the hardships they face, Dhaniya’s courage and determination never falter.
We hear you didn’t originally audition for Dhaniya. How did that happen?
It’s quite an interesting story. I auditioned for the show Bheema, but not for the role of Dhaniya. Despite auditioning and testing for a negative role, I was chosen to play Dhaniya. It was a complete surprise, and I was genuinely thrilled. Portraying Dhaniya is extremely challenging, but I’m delighted to take on such a significant role in my career.
How did you prepare for the role of Dhaniya?
Being a Maharashtrian and working on a show set in Uttar Pradesh required me to master the local dialect and accent to be authentic and true to my character. While my previous acting experience helped, it was the support from my team and co-stars that truly enhanced my understanding of the language. They guided me in using the right expressions to convey emotions, thus, making my portrayal of Dhaniya feel more genuine.
What can the audience expect from the show?
Set in the 1980s, Bheema is a social drama that captures the life of a young girl from an underprivileged background.  The show highlights her struggles for equal rights, with Dhaniya standing by her side through every adversity. Audiences will witness a powerful story of resilience and hope, as Dhaniya and Bheema navigate the complexities of society and economic challenges. It’s a story of love, strength, and the unyielding bond between a mother and her daughter.
Did you always want to be an actor?
I worked in the corporate sector until 2019, but my passion for acting was always present. In my spare time, I created videos and performed monologues on social media. I was also interested in modelling and I aspired to enter the industry through that route. However, the pandemic in 2020 shifted my career path towards acting.
Tell us about your future projects.
Currently, my focus is solely on Bheema. However, I do plan to explore opportunities in films and web series in the future.
Watch Smita Sable as Dhaniya in Bheema, airing every Monday to Friday at 8:30 pm, only on &TV.
By Keerti Kadam