Pavitra Punia, known for her powerful negative roles, has taken up the character of Vishkanya in Tenali Rama. Vishkanya is a unique and mysterious figure, and Pavitra shared her thoughts on how she prepared for the role and what intrigued her the most about this character while speaking to Times of India TV.
"I have a solid grip on these kinds of roles, but every character has its specifics. Naagin and Vishkanya types of roles are somewhat related, so fitting into this one was a challenge at first. I had taken a gap of one and a half years, so the first day was tough. However, now I feel completely comfortable in my role. Interestingly, while I usually wear black for negative roles, this time, I get to wear white, which is refreshing."
Having portrayed several powerful negative roles in television, Pavitra discussed how Vishkanya compares to her previous characters and the challenges she faced. "The fight and shout sequences require full energy. In every show, I get hurt. During one fight scene in Tenali Rama, I had to fight the Mahamantri, which was intense. A man’s body structure is different, and as the villain, I need to appear powerful. It takes a lot of strength, vocally and physically. During Baal Veer, my right toenail came off completely during a stunt. But I didn’t want to use a body double, so I continued shooting within five minutes before the pain could fully set in."
From reality shows to strong on-screen characters, Pavitra’s journey in the entertainment industry has been inspiring. She reflected on her career's evolution and the lessons she has learned along the way.
"I have never struggled for work. Every opportunity has come to me naturally, like a platter of food served before me. I believe I am meant for these roles, and I am grateful for that. Reality shows flow in my veins like blood. Two things I truly love and will never part with are television and reality shows. These two genres define me, and I am meant to be in them."
Managing a demanding career alongside personal life can be challenging, but Pavitra believes in balance. "People often say balancing work and home life is difficult, especially in television, where shoots can last up to 13-14 hours a day. But I have always believed that if you dedicate 15 hours to work, just one hour at home in the kitchen or with your partner is enough. I make it a point to cook whenever I am home, so my house doesn’t feel neglected. Your home is your family, and taking time out for it is crucial. Once you master the skill of balance, it becomes easy."
Having portrayed several memorable characters, Pavitra spoke about her dream roles and the kind of projects she wants to take on in the future.
"My genre is fantasy. I don’t like doing saas-bahu shows. Playing super-villains is my world, and I truly believe no one can play these roles better than me. I am grateful for the positive feedback I receive. Some even try to copy my looks, which I take as a compliment. One of my dream roles is to portray a powerful villain in a Hollywood project. That would be the ultimate milestone in my career," she concluded.
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