Will Daboo outshine Jassi? Lead actress Preeti Amin analyses

In keeping with their track record of introducing 'unique' characters to their shows, Tony and Diya have done it again with the launch of their new show Jhoome Jiiya Re – a tale of an absolute dumb girl. Enacting this character is debutant actress Preeti Amin. The 26-year-old girl from Hyderabad speaks to tellychakkar about her unusual role. What made you accept this role? As strange it may sound but Jiiya is a lot like me. There was a time in my life when I just couldn't fathom as to what I'm good at. I was in my final year of Chartered Accountancy that's when it struck me that this is not meant for me. So, I dropped academics not knowing what to take up next. Though unlike Jiiya I was never poor at studies. However, I reached a point in my life where I wasn't enjoying spending hours with books. Then how did acting happen? At the time of quitting studies, I spent my free time teaching free style dancing – even though I never learned it myself. While teaching, I realised that I needed to brush up my skills too, so I learnt Kathak. Later on, I did theatre and ad modelling. I started my acting career with Telegu shows. I took part in Zee Cinestars Ki Khoj and that's how I got noticed. I successfully auditioned for this show and here I stand before you as Jiiya. Tell us a little about yourself I hail from a typical conservative business-minded Gujrati family. My parents did object to my interest in acting. However, after doing some shows in Hyderabad, they were convinced that I could make it to the next grade. Can you elaborate more on your character? Jiiya is a dumb girl and that's why people call her Dabboo. She has the knack of embarrassing herself. Jiiya thinks she's isn't good enough to do any task. However, she doesn't realise that there's a hidden talent in her (dancing). She's literally dragged on to the dancing floor by her teacher. The 'dumb' girl then goes on to become a successful dancer. Jiiya seems similar to Jassi. Don't you think this comparison will weigh you down? There are similarities between the two. However, this show is not about a person's look. It has its fair share of drama and humour. As the show progresses, you will get to see different style of dancing. Comparisons are fine but it's the audience who will give the final verdict. You claim to be like Dabbo. So, how often has Preeti embarrassed herself? There have been many occasions where I've left myself embarrassed. In fact, my co-actors always keep telling me that the producers couldn't have found a better person to play this character. At times, I get so engrossed in my character that I end hurting myself. For instance, there was a scene wherein I'm required to dance with my eyes closed. While rehearsing, I fell down with a huge thud. Everyone looked around for me not knowing that I was lying in pain on the ground. I guess my anxiety always gets the better of me.