Shabnam loves being a “junglee billi”

She is evil, she is nasty, she can kill with one look and she is Jhumpa, a cunning and vicious character in Zee TV’s Hitler Didi. However, this role is very slyly crafted by Shabnam Sayed aka Surabhi Vanzara (now). Shabnam screams and abuses in an amazing bong ascent in the daily soap. It is interesting to see, how beautifully she maintains her craftiness in a sugar-coated bangla accent. Shabnam, has more or less, been doing negative or grey characters on television. However, she doesn’t regret any of her decision to enact any roles she has performed till date, but enjoys them all like a professional. “Yes, with the kind of roles I have portrayed on television, I have been typecast to a very great extent. Most of the roles I get to play are negative in nature. I guess that has to do with the fact that I look ‘different’ and ‘glamorous’ according to the people who take casting calls,” states Shabnam, who in real life is a shy and introvert girl. A sweet and homely Shabnam, has had a stint with Bollywood also and not surprisingly, her characters in films like Murder and Raaz 2, were equally fire brand and intense. Shabnam says, “Well, I feel there is a fun element in playing such roles. This junglee billi streak is what really excites me. For instance, Jhumpa is such a character who jumps at peoples’ necks to wring their throats. She is a goondi (laughs). I feel, it’s one of the most unique characters across all television shows today and I love playing it.” She continues, “My characters let me unleash a madness that I dare not bare in real life.” Furthermore, she is an introvert by nature which has its own demerits as well. “People I work with don’t really know me too well. I have been called all sorts of contradictory names by different people. I still get affected by people’s opinion of me and fret over it for days, but I am trying to let go.” However, those who know Shabnam well, become friends for life, as they know how humble and friendly she is. “This industry has given me some amazing friends, I love them dearly.” Coming back to her career plans, Shabnam doesn’t want to stick to doing devious roles in television only. She has a film in her kitty, which would go on floors this September (2012). “My character in the film goes through a bizarre roller-coaster ride. The makers are hoping to first enter some international film festivals with the feature before they try their hand at releasing it here.” She finally ends by stating, “As long as I get to put on the grease paint and face the arc lights I am happy.” Way to go, Shabnam!!!