There’s a sense of freedom in Kashmir: ‘Tanaav 2’ actor Ekta Kaul

In an exclusive telephonic interview with Mathrubhumi, Ekta Kaul, the talented actor from the highly acclaimed series 'Tanaav', opened up about its sequel, ‘Tanaav 2’, sharing her excitement and insights into the upcoming show. During the conversation, Ekta also reflected on her personal connection to Kashmir, where the series is set, and shared her observations on the significant developments and positive changes she has witnessed in the region in recent years. Read excerpts:

Given the success of the first season, how excited are you for ‘Tanaav 2’?

More than being excited, I am rather nervous. Once you’re coming with a sequel, you really don’t know how you will stand. You have already set the expectations high with the previous season. I’m really nervous right now, but I’m sure that the series will do well. We have really worked hard on everything—be it the script, direction, creatives, etc. There is a part of me that is satisfied and is sure that the series is going to land very well.

One of the key elements of the ‘Tanaav’ franchise lies in its cast. How was it working with them all?

They are all masters. Even our director, Sudhir Mishra Sir, is an institution in himself. It was a learning experience for me. They have been very helpful. I can’t actually put it in words, but it’s very satisfying that I got to work with such a great team. I’m thankful for these people who are best in their respective fields, who know their art and know what they are saying or what they are doing. To work with people who have clarity of this level, it’s always good. When you come back home and look back at your day and the work you have done, you feel so satisfied.

With all these actors, I learned that I have to be present with what I’m doing. Things can change at the last minute. While rehearsing, shooting, or after we have shot a scene, things can change, so there can’t be a part of you that is lazy. You have to come prepared and be present, especially while working with such legends.

It’s interesting to note that ‘Tanaav’ saw many Kashmiri actors, including you. It also roped in locals to play minor roles. How do you look at it?

It’s a great step if you’re providing a platform to people who don’t have access to such a profession.

Both seasons have been shot in Jammu & Kashmir. How special was it for you, since you’re from Jammu?

My parents are still living in Jammu, so I was really excited. Shooting in Kashmir felt like shooting in a city where your soul belongs. I would shoot and come back to my parents. I would finish the shoot and come back home. While you finish work, you come back home to your parents, siblings, and cousins. It felt good and wasn’t stressful at all. Even Ved, our son, was traveling with us, and so was Sumeet (Vyas). Both schedules in J&K were nice.

How has Kashmir changed over the decades?

There is a lot of development. This particular season, I have seen Kashmir developing really well. There was a sense of freedom this time. I was speaking to the locals also; they were very happy with people coming there and shooting. Even if we were to come as tourists, they would really try to make us feel comfortable. They would manage things for us. I remember my SIM card had stopped working. My driver said don’t worry and called people from the company to the hotel one day and the other day on the sets. They made sure that I was comfortable and was connected to my family. It felt very nice.

As actors, are you and Sumeet critical of each other’s work?

We give each other honest reviews about how we feel about each other’s work. We can’t sugarcoat things and say. If we feel there’s something missing, then we discuss it. If we agree then it’s great, and if we don’t then we still understand that it’s my perception. We’re very chilled out that way. We’re ok if we disagree on certain things. We don’t take everything very seriously.