EXCLUSIVE: “Being introvert does not mean I can’t be a tomboy” – Pankuri Awasthy

Given her fresh visage, polite nature and regal looks, Pankhuri Awasthy surprises us when she plays the domineering ‘Razia Sultan’ with élan on the small screen. After working in ‘Fanaa’ and ‘Yeh Hai Aashiqui’, Pankhuri is hoping to make a mark in Showbiz with the historical series being produced by Swastik Productions on &TV. She spoke to Pinkvilla.com about playing Razia, her co-actors and much more. Excerpts from the conversation:

What were you doing prior to joining the TV industry as an actor?

After doing my graduation in English Literature from Hindu College, University of Delhi, I started working as a Sales and Marketing executive in ITC, Bangalore. I am originally from Lucknow.

How did the channel approach you for role?

I was doing the episodic called ‘Yeh Hai Aashiqui’ on MTV when Swastik Productions saw me. They auditioned me in Bangalore and later called me for another audition in Mumbai in December 2014. Finally, I was chosen for the role of Razia Sultan.

How does it feel to work with your senior co-actors Sooraj Thapar, Seema Kapoor and Sambhavna Seth?

Sooraj ji and Seema ji are so experienced and I always learn from them. They keep guiding me in my scenes. Sambhavna is very fun on the set. She makes us laugh. So the environment is always good on the set.

How much time does it take to get ready?

Approximately 40 minutes to an hour.

How much homework have you done to portray the role?

I studied the story of Razia Sultan and the Sultanate of that period. I also researched about the predecessors of the Empire and how Razia came to power. The creative team of Swastik briefed me about it. Apart from that, I am also learning special skills such as horse riding and sword fighting because eventually these skills will form important part of the show. Since, my selection happened at the last minute, I could not get extra time for learn these skills. I am being trained into them in between shoots or on days when I am off from work.

How would you describe yourself in one word?

I am a very shy and introvert in real life. I would not initiate conversation with anyone but I stay cheerful in all situations. I am passionate about what I do. I am spontaneous by nature. I do things first and think about them later.

Being an introvert by nature, how do you find playing the tomboyish character of Razia Sultan?

Being introvert does not mean I can’t be a tomboy. In real life too, I am not girlie. I am somewhere between being a tomboy and feminine. I am a simple girl. As an actor, I need to be adaptable and change according to whatever role is offered to us. It comes by practice; but it should come naturally too. Razia is righteous person so that way I can relate to her.

How do you pass time in between shoots?

I hardly get any free time. But I like reading, music, watching TV and catching up with sleep.