With the content only getting better on Indian television, there are a variety of new shows for us to watch. But one that has had my attention has been Spy Bahu starring Sehban Azim and Sana Sayyad. The plot is around a spy Sejal falling in love with a suspected terrorist Yohan. What I like about this show is that its leading lady is not a damsel in distress shedding buckets of tears. She is in fact, funny, goofy, and all things interesting and recently when I spoke to the actress who plays this character there was so much more I learned.

In an exclusive interview with Sana Sayyad, we discussed the changing stance of women characters on screen and a lot more.

Read the excerpts from the interview here:

On being on a TV show set…

Every time we are shooting on a set, trying to make a bank of episodes, we are so engrossed in work. I never like to begin with know it all attitude, it takes away a lot of emotions. Every time I start a new show I am always nervous, but also excited. I am very reserved at the start, but once I know people I am an extrovert. I turn red when I see myself on screen, but it’s also a proud moment.

On her character…

I have been a part of many shows, they have been good, average, regressive, progressive, but I have never done a show like Spy Bahu. It is rare to see a spy drama work on Indian television. Sejal is not your Katrina Kaif in Tiger or Alia Bhatt in Raazi, they are so stoic and composed. Sejal on the other hand is phaila hua raita, she falls anywhere, is funny, and has a foot in the mouth syndrome. But I think Sejal’s flaws add to her character.

On characters being progressive on TV now…

They are progressing now, still, I feel a lot of shows do get regressive. Where they show that women won’t leave your side come what may. They never show that a girl is coming to save the hero, she is a spy or a raw agent. So in that way, Sejal is a strong character. This is my dream role.

On if she will do action in Spy Bahu…

Yes, you will see me perform some action in the show. I am very excited about that. I am willing to go all out to do action in this one.

On getting out of a character…

To come out of the character, when you do TV, it comes naturally. You learn how to switch it after a given amount of time. What is difficult is to unlearn the traits of the character once the show is over. I always share my thought process with my director for my actions. Most of the characters on Indian television I have not been able to relate to because I am not like that. I am a very practical person. I was doing Divya Drishti, I had a younger sister, throughout I have been like a mother figure there that has brought some motherly instincts in me. To date, I check up on people, but I am happy with these few changes.

Sana’s show Spy Bahu has gone live on TV yesterday, it airs on Colors TV at 9 pm and its different concept is what has left me impressed.