Farida Dadi: Kaushalya is the ‘Sultan’ of the family

Playing a pivotal role in the upcoming show 'Icchapyaari Naagin', actress Farida Dadi will be seen as the head of a pehelwan family. She reveals more about her role in a chat. Excerpts from the interview.
You’ll be seen as the head of a family of wrestlers. Tell us more about it.
The character that I play is Kaushalya Devi, who heads the Pratap family — it comprises her son, three grandsons and a great grandson.Married to a wrestler, she had to take over the entire akhada (a gym for wrestlers) when she’s widowed. She keeps lifting a lathi (bamboo stick) when her family members err. A headstrong woman, Kaushalya is the sultan of the family.
What made you take up this role?
It’s a unique character. Kaushalya Devi runs the family and the akhada single-handedly. The fact that the grandmother is the strongest character in the show appealed to me. The way she portrays the pehelwan attitude is also interesting.
How was your experience with the team while shooting for the show?
Our director Santram Verma’s approach to his work is different. He is dynamic and energetic on the set. We connected easily with each other. In fact, we have a great unit including fine actors like Iccha (Priyal Gor) and Bubble (Mishkat Verma). Even the youngest actor in the team Appu (Saadhil Kapoor), does not indulge in any kind of tantrums. Siddharth Malhotra (producer) is lucky to have a team like this.
We are seeing you on the small screen after a long time. Why were you on a break?
I got busy shooting for a film. I also went on a holiday to US and Canada and when I came back, I got an offer for this show.
What is that one myth that you find absurd about naags and naagins?
I want to clear the myth that snakes are harmful. They do not attack you unless you threaten or harm them in any way.
'Icchapyaari Naagin' premiers on September 27, Monday to Friday 8 pm on SAB TV.