Swati Tarar: “Playing Charan required a new calmness in me”

In Sony SAB’s new show Badall Pe Paon Hai, audiences are introduced to the heartwarming journey of Baani (played by Amandeep Sidhu), a driven young woman who aspires to elevate her family’s life. Central to her journey is her mother, Charan Arora, portrayed by Swati Tarar, whose nurturing, wise, and supportive nature plays a pivotal role in shaping Baani’s dreams and resilience.

Swati Tarar shares an inside look into portraying Charan, her experiences shooting in Punjab, and the support she’s received from industry stalwarts Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta, who are now producers on the show. As Swati delves into the nuances of her role, she reveals the challenges and joys of embodying a character so distinct from her own personality.

 Tell us about your character and how did you resonate with Charan?

My character Charan is a loving and wise mother. She’s calm, loving, and inspiring, and always maintains a close relationship with her children. What makes her special is that she can find something positive in every situation. Personally too, I believe that hard work and a positive mindset is the key to success. 

 What was the biggest challenge in playing this character?

There were quite a few challenges, especially because I had to travel to Punjab, away from my hometown, for the shoot. But with time I have now become very comfortable here. In terms of the character, one of the main challenges was that it's very different from my real life. My personality is quite energetic, whereas this role requires calmness and composure. So, it took some time initially to get into the character. But now I’ve fully adapted to it.

 What is your take on the theme of ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai,’ and how does it reflect through Baani’s character?

Badall Pe Paon Hai is a refreshing and unique story that resonates with audiences as it focuses on family bonds, and the relentless spirit of a young woman determined to improve her family’s life. What truly makes her story stand out is how Baani balances her big dreams with her strong family values. She never forgets where she comes from, even while reaching for the stars. 

 You are shooting in Punjab, tell us about your experience.

I’ve done an outdoor shoot before, but shooting in Punjab is a completely different experience. Everywhere I look, there’s greenery, and it doesn’t feel like I’ve travelled far, because my hometown is just like that. The weather is starting to get cooler now, which makes the shoot more enjoyable, and we’re all excited to experience the fields of Punjab. The people here are so warm and welcoming. The entire cast is wonderful, and after spending so much time together, we’ve become like a family, so Punjab is starting to feel like home too.

 How have Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta contributed to shaping your character, considering their experience as actors and now as producers?

Ravi Sir and Sargun Ma'am’s background in acting has been incredibly beneficial for us. During our initial workshops, they would personally sit with us. We would discuss the characters, talk about the scenes, and do readings together. For each character, we would explore what new elements we could add that weren’t already written. They offered us many fresh ideas. Every character you see on the show is in some way part of their vision. Their involvement has been extremely helpful, and they’ve supported us in so many important ways.

Tune in to watch Badall Pe Paon Hai only on Sony SAB every Monday to Saturday at 8:00 PM