Having started her acting career as an innocent teenaged school girl Anu in Star Plus’s Kaali Ek Agnipariksha, Niaa Sharma became the show’s female lead when its protagonist Rachna was killed. Being chosen to play the lively Maanvi in Star Plus’ Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, was a turning point in her life. And as her character gained popularity, she also shot into mercurial stardom in India. As a matter of fact, she was recently voted the ‘ultimate queen of Indian television’ in a poll conducted by Tellychakkar.com which she won by a huge margin. In an exclusive interview, she talks on how she handles her star status, rates herself as an actor, discusses about her hobbies and her dream guy. Excerpts: How does it feel to be a highly popular TV star? (blushes) Ever since I was a child, I have been receiving love by leaps and bounds. Then, I was loved by my family and teachers and after being a celebrity, I am being loved by the viewers of my show too. I however think that I still have a long way to go. Before, obtaining a celebrity status, I was just a college going girl. But, now I am far independent. I fund my own shopping, drive my own car and can make my own plans. But since I am a celebrity now, I however have to make sure to look presentable whenever and wherever I go out. Like for instance, while driving I am accosted by ill tempered drivers, however I make sure not to get embroiled in a brawl and resort to verbal abuse; I make sure to keep my cool. I however do think that the celebrity concept is just too hyped. In Mumbai, for instance, people are used to seeing TV stars in public places; they don’t really hound them or infringe upon their privacy. When they come across such celebrities, they simply look at you lovingly, give a smile and pay their compliment. How do you think you’ve matured as an actor right from your Kaali Ek Agnipariksha days? When I did Kaali Ek Agnipariksha, I was just a kid. Then, I was made to work like a pig; people concerned used my stamina beyond my working hours. Now, since I have matured, I can take my own decisions. I make sure that I don’t work beyond 12 hours a day. Of all the roles you have played which is your favourite and why? Obviously, it’s Maanvi. It’s one of the most loved characters on TV. I am proud to be playing it. What do you think are your strong points as an actor? As a student, I had a habit of mugging everything. Now, my co-stars are amazed how I memorize such difficult and lengthy dialogues like a parrot and so fast. What points do you like or dislike in Maanvi? I like many things about her, she has a loud nature, she is no loner and can go on about everything and has an overpowering personality. What I dislike about her is her bad dressing sense. What kind of roles will you never do? I don’t believe in turning down any role. As I said that I would accept a mythological or historical role despite of me not being too eager to do such a role. However, I don’t think I will agree to do a role in which I play a roti dhoti saree clad bahu who is tormented by her saas. If you were writing the show, what direction would you make your character's path take? I can never quite think of writing a show. I do think Maanvi’s character is well-etched out and being presented perfectly. So I don’t think I’d like to change anything about her. If given an opportunity, which historical character would you like to play? I really am not too keen at playing historical or mythological characters; however, if I am offered such a role I won’t refuse. Will do any that’ll suit my character. What are your hobbies? I love ice skating, driving and painting my nails on a daily basis. In fact, I have a different nail polish shade every day - one day my nails are golden, the next day they are silver and the day after they are blue in colour. In fact, I change my nail polish as frequently as I change my underwear. You like dressing up. Given the opportunity, how would you dress up our TV heroines? Do you like the way they dress? I do think that our TV heroines are dressed to kill. However, as they are always saree-clad, I feel that they should never attend a public event in a saree, but in a glamorous non-saree avatar instead. As far as the costumes of heroines are concerned, they should wear chiffon and georgette sarees instead of being draped in heavier kind of sarees. Maybe they could wear bikini style blouses and sarees which allow some skin show and make them look slim. What kind of a guy would you like to marry? Should he be from the TV industry or outside it? I really haven’t pondered too much on whether he should be from the TV industry or not. I would however like someone who would take me on a long romantic ride through the by lanes of mountains, who can tolerate my body odour when I am not wearing perfume and doesn’t complain of my bad breath in the morning. He should be able to put up with me constantly complaining about my weight. To be precise, he should accept me the way I am. Are you open to participating in Bigg Boss? TV stars often indecently conduct themselves on the show. In fact, many of them attract large number of eyeballs after doing a lot of drama in the house. I wouldn’t really want to participate in a show in which I lose my identity and dignity. I do not want to lose the love and adulation of masses that I have gained playing Maanvi. I will surely not want to tarnish my image. And hence will not like to be a part of a show in which I will have to wash my dirty linen in public. You are already very slim. Nevertheless you still seem to be bothered about your weight. Why? It is just that in my love to have a flat belly and a trim waist, I make sure not to overeat. It gives me a good feeling to stay slim. Tell me about an area in which you would like to improve as an actor. I still have to learn to laugh out loud. I can’t laugh unless I genuinely feel like doing so. Especially, when I am in a bad mood, I just can’t laugh while performing. Kushal and you are good friends. What makes you connect as friends? Kushal and I are good friends. If two people work together for 12 hours a day, friendship is bound to grow. How is your equation with Karan Tacker as of now? I am on good terms with all my co-stars.