Simaran Kaur: Daily soap actors are one-take actors

Simaran Kaur is seen playing the lead role of Riddhi Chotwani in the show Jamai No 1. The actress shares her thoughts on busy schedules in TV and how she manages to take time out for herself.

With such long hours on set, Simaran has found ways to work around hectic schedules. She says, “The set has become my second home. My makeup room is my little happy place. I’ve decorated it with pictures of my loved ones and framed some of my favourite quotes. I always keep a small photo of my dog, Cherry, who’s like my baby. I even have a speaker there so I can play my favourite songs and get in a good mood before shooting.”

She adds, “Before I start work each day, I take a few minutes to meditate and do some vocal warm-ups. It helps me get into the right frame of mind and feel focused.”

Simaran shares how working in TV has helped her craft. “Daily soap actors are mainly one-take actors. We work long hours, often shooting scenes back-to-back. There’s very little room for mistakes or multiple retakes, so we have to give our best in just one go. That’s something I feel sets us apart,” she says.

When asked about the current trends in the industry and whether television still feels like a secure space for actors, Simaran shared, “While OTT platforms and films are growing, they can be unpredictable. Television still has a strong and loyal audience. I do think it’s one of the most stable platforms for actors today. But at the same time, it’s important to evolve and be open to different formats, so you stay fresh and relevant.”