5 'acting' tips from Karuna Pandey

Karuna Pandey, holds a Master's degree in Indian theatre and she has worked in the National School of Drama's repertory company as an actor for one year. She is also a trained Kathak dancer and writes shayaari and gazals in her free time. Karuna is not a new name in the Indian television industry with serials like ‘Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki’, ‘Pyar Ke Do Naam Ek Radha Ek Shyam’, ‘Shradha’, ‘Bhootwala Serial’, ‘Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli’ and ‘Kaali Ek Agni Pareeksha’ she is known for her vivacious personality and her expressive portrayals of the characters she plays.

Seen in a completely different avtaar, Karuna is currently seen playing the main protagonist Padmini a.k.a. Mini B in Zindagi’s first original fiction show – Bhaage Re Mann. As Padmini, Karuna epitomizes the modern Indian woman who takes life by the reigns. The bubbly Padmini is an independent woman who doesn’t believe in getting tied down by societal norms. Bhaage Re Mann is the tale of Padmini’s life and how through her innovative and quirky take on life, she deals with her challenges head on and helps the ones she loves to see life and face their problems differently.    

Here are some tips from the talented actress on being a good actor:

Observation - Observing people and their mannerisms really helps to build a character

Watching my peers has always been inspiring and with my current team of Bhaage Re Mann, it has been very refreshing to witness how each one is essaying their character in the show.  Each day on the set, I see things they do and it helps me develop my own acting style.

Concentration - It’s very important for an actor to concentrate on his or her character, it adds a lot to the performance

It’s a constant process to overcome the different aspects of acting and equally important for an actor to deliberate on his or her character. What helps me, is when I focus my attention on another actor, a prop, etc. and never stare off into space. Keeping in the moment enables me to remain in the character and enhances the believability of the role.

Understanding of life - The more one understands life, the better you become as an actor

I believe that to bring out the soul and depth in a performance you need to draw from personal experiences. It has definitely helped me make the character of Padmini resonate better with the audience. My process is to immerse myself in the role completely and become the character. And by envisioning the character’s reactions to life, thinking process and conversing skills, it allows me to draw visualizations and portray the role.

Getting the subtext -Just reading the line and saying dialogues is not enough ...to be a good actor you have to get the meaning

To be a good actor you have to understand the true essence of the plot and the character. Though, what makes you stand apart is your Inner Uniqueness, an actor can emote well and can deliver an honest performance, only after an understanding of the subtext of the script. Do not try to act the character - instead, be the character.

Listening -Being a good listener aids in delivering a worthy performance

What makes the scene real is when you actively adopt to listening the tones of the other characters in the shot. It not only serves as a cue for your lines, but helps you emote well to the situation. To know your tone, it is equally important to hear yourself.

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