Latest news with #PremLeela
Hans India
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Saniya Khera embraces bold transformation
Actress Saniya Khera, known for her versatile performances in shows like 'Junooniyatt', 'Tose Naina Milaike', 'Mann Atisundar', 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh' and 'Maddam Sir', is currently making waves with her bold and layered portrayal of Aishwarya—popularly dubbed as 'Fake Leela'—in Dangal TV's Prem Leela. Saniya recently opened up about her artistic journey, the intricacies of her character, and how this project has shaped her as an actor. ''In Prem Leela', I portray Aishwarya, or as the viewers know her, 'Fake Leela',' Saniya shares. 'She can be manipulative, yes—but she's passionate about what she does. She genuinely believes that her actions are justified. What drew me to this role is how multi-dimensional she is. It's not just black and white—there are layers, and that's what makes it exciting for me as an actor. The real challenge is to make the audience empathise with her, even when they disagree with her.' Taking on a role with such emotional and psychological depth wasn't an easy transition, especially for an actress largely seen in positive or neutral roles until now. 'This was a complete shift,' she admits. 'I had to dive deep mentally and emotionally to get into Aishwarya's mindset. I kept asking myself—what drives her? What are her fears, her dreams, her scars? Once I understood her motivations, I could portray her with more truth and sensitivity.' In addition to internal preparation, Saniya had to embody the character physically as well. 'I had to consciously alter my body language. The way she walks, the tone she uses, the way she holds her gaze—it all had to exude a certain sharpness and intention. I was aware that the audience might be surprised to see me like this, but that's what I loved about it. If they end up disliking the character, I take that as a sign that I'm doing something right!' Behind the scenes, however, it's a completely different story. 'Despite playing a negative role, I've felt only warmth and encouragement on set,' she says with a smile. Saniya says, 'There's such a great vibe among the cast and crew. On-screen, we may be at odds, but off-screen there's constant laughter, creative exchange, and camaraderie. That kind of environment really helps you thrive and stay grounded.' Saniya is also quick to credit the production design for helping her fully immerse into the character. She says, 'The costumes, the set design, the lighting—everything is so detailed and atmospheric. Walking into Leela's world every day felt like entering another universe. And that's what makes acting magical—you get to live someone else's life, even if just for a while.' Looking back at her journey so far, Saniya reflects on how each role has helped shape her both professionally and personally. 'Every character I've played has left an impression on me,' she says thoughtfully. 'Whether the role is light-hearted, dark, intense, or somewhere in between—it always teaches me something new. It pushes me to discover aspects of human emotion and behaviour that I might not have otherwise explored.' Saniya says, 'As an actor, my goal is to constantly evolve—to take on roles that challenge me, surprise the audience, and connect with people on a deeper level. Prem Leela is definitely one of those projects that's pushed my boundaries, and I'm grateful for that. It's another step forward on this journey of transformation and storytelling.'
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ashita Dhawan reflects on the Pahalgam Terror Attack: "My heart goes out to the victims and their families"
Television actress Ashita Dhawan , who is currently seen portraying the character of Uttara in the popular show Prem Leela , expressed deep sorrow and concern over the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which took place on April 22. Speaking on the tragedy that has left the nation stunned, Ashita shared, 'The news of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam has left me completely heartbroken. It's devastating to think that innocent lives were lost in such a cruel and senseless act of violence. Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places in our country, and to see such horror unfold there is truly painful. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones. I can't even begin to imagine the grief they must be going through. This incident is a harsh reminder of the uncertainty and cruelty that exists in the world. I sincerely pray for strength for the injured, and I hope the authorities are able to bring justice to those responsible. We must all come together as a country and stand united against terrorism in every form.' She further added, 'It's extremely tragic and heartbreaking... by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo my heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones. I too have been dying to go to Kashmir since a few years now. Never imagined after all these years people going for a vacation with their families would be dying brutally in what we call 'Heaven on Earth'—Kashmir.' 'When you see something like this unfold, so senseless and brutal, it really makes you stop and question — what are we doing as a society? How have we allowed hatred to reach this level where innocent tourists, families with children, are targeted in broad daylight? This is not just about Kashmir — it's about the soul of our nation being wounded,' she said. Despite the grim reality of the situation, she offered words of hope: 'India has faced difficult times before. We are a resilient country. We will mourn, but we will also rise. We must remember that no act of terror can ever defeat the spirit of a united people. My thoughts are especially with the children who survived this horror — may they find the strength to heal, and may we as a country create a future where they never have to experience such fear again. '
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Saniya Khera gets candid about her character, says 'Prem Leela's Aishwarya is one of the most layered characters I've played'
Actress Saniya Khera, currently winning praise for her performance as the manipulative Fake Leela in the show , opens up about her journey, the challenges of portraying a complex negative character, and how the show has impacted her growth as an actor. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Known for her roles in Junooniyatt, Tose Naina Milaike, Mann Atisundar, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha toh and Maddam Sir, Saniya takes a bold leap by stepping into the shoes of Aishwarya—a character who impersonates the real Leela in the show. On bagging the role, she tells, 'With my experience, I think one of the best directors, Uttam sir, saw that I could bring depth and complexity to a negative role," she shares. "Villains or antagonists aren't just bad people—they're layered, and it takes a certain amount of control and nuance to make them believable. I was excited to take on something different and challenge myself in a new way." On playing Fake Leela, she stated, 'In Prem Leela, I play Aishwarya—also known as Fake Leela. She comes across as selfish and negative, but there's so much more to her. She's deeply driven by her desires, her insecurities, and her need for validation. Aishwarya doesn't always make the right choices, but from her perspective, she's doing what she thinks is best for herself. She's manipulative at times, but she genuinely loves what she does. She believes whatever she does is ultimately for the best. What I love about this character is that she's not one-dimensional.' Recalling a standout scene, she says, "One particular moment that really defines Aishwarya is when she pretends to support the lead couple, but behind their backs, she's plotting to create misunderstandings between them. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now What makes the scene powerful is how subtle her manipulation is—she uses emotional tactics, carefully chosen words, and even a fake tear or two." "It's not loud or dramatic, but quiet and calculated. That scene really captures who Aishwarya is—always a few steps ahead, with her strength lying in her ability to disguise her true intentions behind a sweet smile. Playing that kind of layered emotion is both challenging and rewarding." Taking on such a multifaceted character was no easy task for Saniya. "I've usually been seen in positive or neutral characters, so stepping into a full-on negative role required a completely different approach — mentally, emotionally, and even physically. First, I had to really get into the psyche of Fake Leela. Why does she do what she does? What are her insecurities, her ambitions, her pain? Once I understood her motivations, I could play her with more depth instead of making her just a typical villain. I also had to work on changing my body language and expressions.' Saniya describes her time on set as creatively enriching. "Working on Prem Leela has been such a memorable and fulfilling journey. From day one, the energy on set has been electric—a beautiful mix of passion, fun, and hard work," she smiles.
