Edited by – Robin Bhuyan (Editor-in-Chief)
Interviewed by – Uddipta Raj Deka
Written by – Priyanka Bhattacharya (Sub-editor)
Umang Jain is a TV and film actress and model who has been active in the industry for around 2 decades. She has entertained the audiences with her performances in TV shows such as Justujoo, Sunaina, Maharakshak Devi etc. as well as in movies such as Love Breakups Zindagi. Read our exclusive interview with the young actress, as we discuss her career, her future plans, her struggles and many more.
You began performing professionally at a very young age. Would you explain how it all started?
My love for acting has only grown ever since I began to speak. My parents’ support of my goals has been a blessing in this regard. Initially, my parents were a little concerned about me heading to my first audition, but once I did well, everyone around me assured my mother that everything would be well, and that’s when they gradually came to realize my excitement for acting and backed me. It was a calling, in my opinion, and I was destined to follow it eventually.
How did you overcome the obstacles you encountered in the entertainment industry?
The only way to succeed in the entertainment industry is to develop resilience. It takes a great deal of patience. Shots can take place at any time of day. You could receive a call at 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., and you can’t be frustrated about it. Instead, you need to put up a pleasant front and be energetic to grasp the circumstances, feel at peace, and be comfortable in your work.
Would you elaborate on your debut appearance in the TV soap opera Justajoo ?
The program began as amusing and quirky, and I played a 10-year-old girl who had to come to terms with the possibility that one of her parents was having an extramarital affair. Given that it was my first career move, I had an incredible experience and cherished it.
You made your debut into cinema with a supporting role in Love Breakups Zindagi, after appearing in several TV soap operas and ad films. Tell us about your experience.
Yes, I would say that was the finest thing that ever happened to me. After filming a commercial for Cadbury, I received a call to audition for the role, which I was fortunate enough to land. Before becoming more acquainted with Indian television, I was referred to as the “Cadbury Girl” in India and as “Miss Masala Girl” in Pakistan. Other than this, I had a great experience working alongside Dia Mirza. She is the most pleasant producer in the entertainment industry. You will never meet a nicer or sweeter person than her. She has worked hard to get what she has today, so she could relate to me. She spoke to me and gave me the support I needed. We had a lot of aid from Sahil Sangha, and the several seminars that were held before the movie’s filming made it easier for us to get along with one another. Our intimate familiarity with one another facilitated our on-screen chemistry. I will always hold a particular place in my heart for Zayed and Dia, who have always had faith in me.
In “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai,” you had a crucial part. Could you please elaborate on your experience?
Since I have acted only in weekly shows before, it was difficult for me. But the amount of attention I gained from the show for portraying the character “Tara” was enormous, and it was a fantastic experience. I would be easily recognized by others, which opened up a lot of options for me. The fact that they thought highly of me and believed I had what it took to play such a genuine part in a TV soap opera made me happy. I could learn a lot from this program, and I was offered with a variety of options thereafter.
What is the most difficult role you have had to play?
I’ve never performed a character as physically demanding as Maharakshak Devi, and since the audition and selection process proceeded quickly, I didn’t have much time to prepare. Every day, I would come home battered from doing all the action scenes by myself. It was incredibly hard to keep up because there were so many aerial shots that needed to be done in harnesses, but I executed every exciting action scene myself that you see on the program.
Which fellow actor did you like working with the most?
When it comes to collaborating with co-stars, there are many. But to be honest, Dia Mirza has always been my favorite co-star and will continue to be so. A kind of inner beauty radiates from her. She’s one of the friendliest and most enjoyable people to spend time with. In addition, she has also been advocating for wildlife and environmental issues.
Is there a play or movie that has had a big influence on you?
I’m an avid admirer of Madhuri Dixit’s as well as Konkona Sen Sharma’s films. I think Konkona is greatly underappreciated despite the fact that she is incredibly natural in the roles that she plays. Whenever you see her characters, you will find yourself empathizing with them since she gives it her all. I feel she ought to be given more credit for her work.
As an actor, what impact do you feel AI will have on the entertainment and modeling industry?
The modeling sector has already been affected by AI, and therefore, its income will be significantly impacted. Let’s say AI enables you to design t-shirts that are personalized. The work of models will become insignificant. It has simplified work while also influencing the modeling industry’s operations. This has led to several possibilities for self-promotion without creating havoc.
Could you elaborate on some of the most pressing issues of the film industry?
There has recently been an uptick in nudity, and everything seems to be becoming flaky. People in the industry are getting quite bold these days, and although I don’t mind if they feel comfortable doing so, I don’t believe I would be comfortable doing it myself. The popularity of sexual entertainment has grown. But I feel proper sex education is what our nation needs.
It’s been four years since we last saw you in the entertainment industry. Why is it the case?
That’s due to the problem I just spoke of. When corporates approach me and tell me that a certain type of ‘bold’ sequences are essential to the film for the sake of a few box office points, I find that very startling, and I end up rejecting that role, though I have got many such offers.
How do you intend to spend the next year or two?
A web series I’m working on will probably debut on Amazon Prime in a few months.
Do you believe you’ve grown accustomed to being a celebrity?
No, I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to it. The affection I get from the crowd is something I can never get enough of.
What else would you be doing right now if you weren’t an actress?
My best guess is that I would become a surgeon. It would satisfy my goal to use my profession to positively impact people’s lives.
What have you done this week that you found particularly interesting?
Having never been to Punjab before, I fell in love with Mohali and its way of life after returning from a shoot.
What, in your opinion, is the best part of India?
I doubt I will ever be able to compare, having traveled much. Every location is stunning and has its own beauty.
For what purpose would you desire to be remembered?
My wish is to be regarded as someone who positively impacts others’ lives. That’s the kind of legacy I hope to leave.
What guidance would you provide to others just starting who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
I would advise them to develop their endurance and patience. In addition, they need to have a strong work ethic along with determination.
Which work genre is your favorite?
I don’t enjoy being confined to one genre; versatility keeps me going.
Do you have any message for your fans?
I’m glad for all the affection I’ve received. I would like to thank my fans for it, and hope that I keep receiving all the love!
Thank you for your time. It was a great pleasure talking to you!
Thanks a lot, to Enigmatic Horizon as well, for giving me the opportunity to express myself!
