On Sunday, Netflix’s acclaimed web series Scoop was honoured with two awards at the prestigious 28th Busan International Film Festival's Asia Content Awards and Global OTT Awards. The gritty web series won the best Asian TV series award while lead actor Karishma Tanna won the best lead actress award. As expected, Karishma is on cloud nine with this victory and she spoke about it exclusively with Bollywood Hungama.
Did you expect this victory?
I expected one award. I had a little intuition about that. But I didn’t expect both awards. I am very surprised and overwhelmed.
How was your experience at the Busan International Film Festival and being in South Korea?
It was outstanding. I always wanted to go to South Korea. I had heard a lot about Korean films and shows. Hence, I always wanted to be around them and be a part of their awards and festivals. Then when I learnt that our show had been nominated and also that I had been nominated in the leading actress category, I was over the moon. The nomination itself was a big deal and for me, even that itself was a victory. Unfortunately, Hansal sir (director Hansal Mehta) couldn’t come as he was unwell. Hence, I represented Scoop alone. I was very nervous and also self-confident at the same time.
Who from the industry congratulated you?
There are a few people who feel happy about my success. Some of them feel good about my performance but probably forget to message me. That’s not what I kept in my mind. Nevertheless, Hansal sir was the first one to congratulate me. Then Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi, Kritika Kamra, Rakul Preet Singh etc congratulated me. It’s a good feeling when the industry members support you.
There was not a single false note in your performance. Many are amazed you pulled off such a difficult role with ease. Why do you think it took the industry so long to give you such a great role?
Better late than never. Everything comes at the right time. Sometimes, even I feel that I have been in this industry for a very long time and that it took a while to highlight myself and get the setup I always wanted. I cherish this moment after years of getting rewards and challenges at the same time. And when you get the reward, I cherish the moment the most. It happened a little late in life but I am happy the outcome is so good after waiting patiently. I am not bitter about it. At least now the industry knows that I am an actor and have a different perception about me.
Has the success of Scoop translated into better offers?
I feel a lot of offers have been filtered. A few scripts have come to me. Good concepts, good scripts, good setups and good directors take time. I am waiting for the right project to come my way. At the same time, I am doing ads, collaborations etc.
Would you like to give a shot to cinema once again?
Yes. I have never stopped dreaming about the big screen. If it comes my way, I’ll accept it with open arms. It all depends on luck and destiny, and of course on the producers and directors.
You had a memorable cameo in Sanju (2018). It was a great example of an actor with limited screen time leaving a lasting impression…
I did get my validation from Sanju. The moviegoers talked about me though I had just 3-4 scenes. I took it up positively and was very excited to be a part of such a big film. I knew that if I nailed it, I would stand out. When Sanju was released, I remember all the critics mentioning me. It made me realize that if you perform the way you are supposed to do, you will get noticed.
And to be directed by Rajkumar Hirani must be huge.
Oh yes. It was like a dream come true.
The common factor between Sanju and Scoop is casting director Mukesh Chhabra…
Totally. He’s definitely been a big support system in my life. As a casting director, you need to have that eye about who to cast and for what character. I am very glad that he saw the potential in me. He cast me not once but twice in brilliant projects.
Scam 1992 had a sequel-of-sorts, Scam 2003. Can we expect Scoop 2 which can be the story of a different journalist?
100%. I am sure that Netflix will make another part of Scoop for sure. Now, it’s become like a successful franchise.
Did you ever meet Jigna Vora, on whose life Scoop is based?
At the end of the shoot, she had come on the sets. Only 1 or 2 days of the shoot were left. That’s when I interacted with her. It was not like I was playing an Indira Gandhi or a Jawaharlal Nehru that I had to imitate them or get the body language right. Scoop was in a different league, though it was based on a real-life character and incident. Everything was written in the script and Hansal sir didn’t want me to meet as he didn’t want me to copy her.
Did she see Scoop?
She’s very proud of the show. She couldn’t see it for the longest time. Finally, she gathered her emotions and watched the series.
You had mentioned before marriage that “I’ve been single for almost a donkey’s years. So I was looking forward to becoming a Mrs.” You fulfilled that dream and Scoop was also a dream come true. What other dreams would you like to fulfil?
I have many wishes. I have a dream of buying land and opening a farm for all the distressed animals like stray dogs, cats, deer, goats, bulls etc. I also want to open an animal hospital as there’s only one such place in Mumbai. Thirdly, I want to do good, challenging work with good directors and make an impact with every film or show. I hope to sign a project with Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby. Lastly, I’d like to meet influential people like Nita Ambani because, like me, she’s also a Gujarati (laughs). I am sure she’ll love me once we meet! So yes, I’d love to meet her and collaborate with her for the cause of animals as I have heard that she’s very helpful.
Also Read: Karishma Tanna, Netflix series Scoop win big at the Asia Contents Awards and Global OTT Awards
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