NEELIMA AZEEM, t h e versatile actor who is known for her roles in films like Ishq Vishq, Blackmail and TV series like Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein, Dhoom Machaao Dhoom is portraying the role of a single mother in Zoom Studio’s web series Mom and Co. Mother of Shahid Kapur and Ishaan Khatter, Azeem made her debut on web series this month and she believes that the new media is the future. Excerpts from an interaction with the actor:
What was it about the script that made you say yes to the role of Suhasini Rao?
I have not played a role like this before. The character of a mother is quite detailed in Mom & Co. The journey of Suhasini as a single mother, and her differences with her son and ultimately, their understanding quite excited me. I loved the script. It’s the story of a simple woman who not only deals with her own life’s ups and downs but also the issues of people living around her. I thought it’s a story that needs to be told.
This is your first web series. Do you think it’s better than a TV series?
It’s my first web series, and I have had a very satisfying and exciting journey, to say the least. The digital platform has a very different appeal and a wider reach. People are appreciating the digital form, because the content is extremely good. The advantage of a web series is that one can narrate different kinds of stories. Also, I should point out that the youngsters of today are telling stories that have not been told before. The content is quite contemporary, and that’s what is making web series a hit. I think it is the future. It’s the future voice of India.
How was it working with co-star Ayush Mehra, and director Ashish Ranglani?
They are a talented lot. Ashish is very involved in his work. He is intelligent, sincere and he understands his subject well. What I loved about him is that he could understand the psychological and emotional aspects of the characters, and scripted it really well. Ayush, who plays my son Aditya, is also very talented and sincere. His acting is very natural. We bonded very beautifully in the series. I look forward to working with both of them in future.
Tell us about your projects in Bollywood.
I recently worked in the film The Illegal, an Indo-American film directed by Danish Renzu. Its rich cast includes Suraj Sharma, the boy who was in Life of Pi; Shweta Tripathi, who made her debut in Masaan; and Adil Hussain, who plays my husband. It’s an interesting story of a Muslim family. I will also be making a guest appearance in the film Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare, which has been directed by Lipstick Under My Burkha director Alankrtia Shrivastava. It’s going to be an interesting film. In terms of theatre, there is nothing new happening, but I would love to play varied roles with etched out characters. I started my career with theatre, and that medium holds a very special place in my heart. Let’s see what happens in 2019.
Mom & Co. is about a mother-son relationship and you have two big boys — Shahid and Ishaan. Who among them has troubled you more?
I have nothing but good things to say about them. They are just lovely sons and wonderful human beings. I am blessed to have them.