Deepika Singh: Being a dancer and mother is a full-time job

Deepika Singh. Pic/Instagram

While she has not been seen much on screen after Diya Aur Baati Hum ended in 2016, save for the finite series Kavach... MahaShivratri, Deepika Singh has not had a moment of rest. Motherhood duties, learning a dance form and shooting ads kept the actor busy. Eight years after her long-running show ended, she is back on television with Mangal Lakshmi. In conversation with mid-day, the actor talks about returning to work after motherhood, and highlighting sisterhood through her latest show.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

You didn't do any daily soap between Diya Aur Baati Hum and Mangal Lakshmi. What have you been doing in the interim?
I did Kavach, but I didn't take up any daily soaps because after Diya Aur Baati Hum ended, I was pregnant with Sohum. I took up Kavach because it was only a 45-day shoot. Since 2014, I have also been learning the Odissi dance form. It has been a lifelong dream to dance. I had my exams in December, for which I got the vishaarad [the complete expert] from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal; now, I'm awaiting the results. Now, I am at a stage where I can teach the dance form to others.

When did Mangal Lakshmi come your way?
I have been in talks since November. I knew the shoot would start in January, so I completed my theory exam in November and practicals in December. The show is relatable. That's why agreeing to do it was easy.

It's interesting to see that the show focuses on the need for respect, which is often lost between married couples.
It will focus on how Mangal [Singh's character] is looking for an ideal partner for Lakshmi [her cousin]. While love is important, she wants her sister to be respected in her relationship. She wants Lakshmi to not experience what she had to go through.

Sometimes, a partner doesn't even realise they are being ill-treated. Is the show's messaging about gaslighting?
My character is not melodramatic, so it's subtly shown that she is content with her life and doesn't realise what is happening with her. She is yet to realise that she is being disrespected by her husband. Mangal belongs to a poor family; she believes she has to be grateful for whatever she has, and always has a smile on her face. She doesn't talk about her difficulties to others. The show also focuses on the sisterhood between the two key characters, which is rarely shown on Indian television.

This is Sanika Gaikwad's (Lakshmi) first daily soap. Was it difficult establishing chemistry with her?
Some years ago, I also had my first day, and everyone has had that. People learn on the job, so will Sanika. She is a radio jockey and an intelligent artiste. Our team is also supportive. They help her if she doesn't understand something. She is a quick learner. I wouldn't go out of my way to guide her, because I don't like intruding in anyone's learning process. Whenever she asks for help, I'm there for her.

After being at home for long, do you like the change in your schedule?
While I was at home, I was still working 16 hours a day. Being a dancer and a mother is a full-time job. I was never a full-time mom. Even then, I was busy with dance classes, ad shoots or some event. Initially, Sohum would see me around the house, but now that I am shooting, he sees less of me. That's why I took more time after my pregnancy to train him. Now, I've enrolled Sohum in gymnastics and music; he is also busy. I am also grateful to my sister-in-law and mother-in-law for taking care of him in my absence.

Do you miss working with director- husband Rohit Raj Goyal after Diya Aur Baati Hum?
Not really, because he is always with me. He is like my guru in acting. I am grateful to all the directors who have taught me something. I will shoot a promo for my show with him soon.