Amrita Rao: Gruelling working hours of TV shows used to scare me a lot

She has always essayed the role of a sweet, simple, girl-next-door, yet an equally strong individual.

READ ALSO: Indian TV content sometimes scares me, says Amrita Rao

It seems this image of hers is not going to leave her soon. Recently, Bollywood actress Amrita Rao made her TV debut with the drama series, 'Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai'. “I couldn’t have asked for anything better than 'Meri Awaaz…' to mark my debut on the small screen,” she says. In a candid chat, Amrita Rao opens up about her passion for singing, her moments of scepticism before foraying onto small screen and more. Excerpts:

How did 'Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai' happen and what made you to take it up?

I had been offered other shows, before 'Meri Awaaz...', but honestly, the very thought of long and gruelling working hours of TV shows gave me a cold feet. But when the makers of the show convinced me that the story-telling will be crisp and this will be a finite series, with manageable working hours, I immediately grabbed the opportunity. Another important reason is that I have always been more inclined towards music a little more than acting, and my character in the show is a singer. So, all the permutations fell in place when I decided to take up the show.

READ ALSO: Amrita Rao: Acting is my passion but singing is a part of my soul

The storyline of your show seems to be inspired by two legendary Bollywood singers and their rivalry. Your take on that?

(Laughs) Yes, a lot of people have asked me whether the story is inspired by the real life rivalry of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle. But, no the story is very different, from what it is being perceived at the moment. I feel lucky to be compared to such singing legends, and take the comparison as a compliment.

READ ALSO: Amrita Rao all set for her TV debut

Kalyani is a singer from the 80s era. How did you get the mannerisms right?

Not many know, but the costumes of your character can really help you to get into the skin of the character. I portray the role of Kalyani, who is the bread winner in her family and takes up small-time acting assignments before getting into singing. So I did watch a lot of old movies, and made a note of how women used to dress, talk and walk. Also when you are on the sets, the director keeps guiding you. Another thing which helped me is that most of my roles have somehow shown me as this sweet, simple yet a strong girl, who doesn't get carried away very easily. So the combination of all this helped me a lot.

READ ALSO: Amrita Rao: Glad that TV is promoting traditional Indian outfits

Your character has to sing a lot in the show, did you take up any singing lessons?

Not really. However, I did learn Hindustani classical music for three years, when I was in school. So when I started doing this role, I did go to my old music notes, to understand music in a better manner.

The show focuses on Indian classical music as well as the music from the bygone era. You think this will help youngsters to connect better with these types of music?

I think it will most definitely connect with youth, because today’s songs lack the soul and melody. And if music has melody and soul in it, will always connect with the listeners.

WATCH: Amrita Rao all set for her TV debut