Shivani Thakur feels Dhadkan Zindaggi Kii is the perfect title for the show that highlights the life and journey of medical practitioners. The actor plays the role of sister Meena in this medical drama by Nilanjana Purkayasstha and Herumb Khot under their banner Invictus T Mediaworks, in collaboration with StudioNEXT
“Jaise zinda rehne ke liye dil ka dhadkana zaroori hai, theek vaise hi Doctors are also dhadkan of every patient. So the title is justified so beautifully,” she continues, “My character, Sister Meena, is the chief in-charge of the whole ER (Emergency Room Department). There is a love angle between her and Dr. Murgiwala. Meena is a very sensitive, caring and loving girl and that’s exactly who I am in my personal life too. So yes, I relate to my character, and that helps me perform better.”
While growing up Shivani wanted to become a doctor. “When I got this role, it was like half of my dream was fulfilled (smiles). So I was really very excited to do this role, learning so many medical facts while working on the show. Extensive research has gone behind making the show,” she adds.
Talking about working with the makers of the show, the actor says that she has been watching their productions but was never a part of any of their shows. “So bagging this role was like a dream come true. I really like the way they narrate stories. It’s a totally different approach to making TV shows. I like their concepts and the way they execute their shows, it’s awesome. So I really enjoyed it a lot and as an actor I learnt a lot on set,” she says.
Shivani opines that the TV industry has evolved in terms of content. “Audiences have become very smart, now they like to watch realistic content. Something new and original rather than just regular dramas, so yes everybody is working hard to highlight some different kinds of content on TV with whom the viewers can connect,” she adds.
Sharing her experience of the new normal, she says, “Honestly, we all are finally able to breathe now. During the lockdown it was really a tough time for all of us. I had gone to my hometown Himachal Pradesh during the lockdown and I was missing Mumbai terribly because I missed my work. Even a few of my live singing shows were cancelled. I wanted to live a normal life again but we have to take care of ourselves and our loved ones so masks, vaccines and sanitizers are part of this new lifestyle.”
So what are your learnings from the entertainment industry? “Patience is the word that I have learned. I have struggled a lot to reach where I am today. Firstly you need to be focused on exactly what you want in your life. Secondly, you need to be disciplined with yourself and learn from your mistakes rather than getting disappointed. If you are good at what you do, no one can stop you from becoming what you aspire to be,” she ends.
