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From hot model to super bahu!

Sultry vamp Nigaar Z Khan is back with Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke. She was last seen in two reality shows titled Ek Khiladi Ek Hasina and Comedy circus.

Nigaar plays a powerful bahu in the show set in Uttar Pradesh which deals with issues like caste and the preference for a boy child.

Here's what she told Rajul Hegde about the show and why her sister, Gauhar deserves to win Jhalak Dikhla Jaa.

What do you enjoy the most -- acting or modelling?

Acting is more fun because every day is a new day. It's more challenging too. There is no growth and creative satisfaction in modelling.

Did you ever think that you could do so well in comedy?

I didn't know that I could do comedy. Stand-up comedy is a different ball game all together. Doing a comedy scene is very different from stand-up comedy.

Actually, when they approached me for Comedy Circus, I thought they were kidding. After I was convinced, I agreed to give it a try. I did one episode Chinchpokli to China, before they offered this reality show. I am glad I did it because it gave me reason to wake up in the morning and try something new. 

How was it working for Comedy Circus?

It was a wonderful experience. I was fully charged up to play different characters. I even made a fool of myself and made people laugh, which is not an easy job. Fortunately people laughed at all my acts and I didn't have problem in making up.

'I didn't have the guts to wear jeans while shooting in Banaras'

Tell us more about your character in Mitwa Phool Kamal Ki...

I play the role of Rajbala, the most powerful bahu in the family. She has been given the title as she is the eldest bahu and has borne a male child who will take the family legacy forward. She's manipulative, scheming, jealous and commanding. Rajbala uses her charms to influence everyone and even dominates her husband.

Have you worked on the dialect?

Yes. We have really worked on the dialect because it is a rural story. The dialect is very interesting. We had workshops with our director and they really helped. The characters are very different and we are very fortunate to have very good actors on this show. Mitwa is a very different show.

How was the experience shooting in Banaras?

I was shocked when I came to know that in some rural places women are not even allowed to speak or touch their husbands. It was a culture shock for me. When I went to Banaras for shooting I was so scared that I carried a salwar kurta and didn't have the guts to wear jeans. Being an urban girl I also didn't have the courage to stand up and say 'I will do what I want'.

'I don't know whether I'm made for Bollywood'

We're going to see you in a rural get up for the first time. Do you think viewers will like it?

When I saw myself in the mirror for the first time I loved it. I am sure the viewers will like my new look as well.

Why did you stay away for so long?

I was on a break for eight months. I did reality shows and got many offers for television serials but as an actor, I didn't see anything new in it. Suddenly I got this role and I loved the character and also the costumes, which I have never worn before.  Now I don't miss modelling because it has already taken a back seat.

Will you do films?

I never planned my life. I wanted to become a teacher or a jockey. I didn't know I could act but I had meeting, audition and signed my first show Lipstick in one day. I told my director that I can't act but he told me that he would see to it that I do. Now I am here and don't know whether I'm made for Bollywood. I want to do character roles and not those short numbers and dancing which is not my cup of tea.

'I am happy being single'

Your sister Gauhar Khan is one of the finalists of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. Who do you think deserves to win?

Gauhar deserves to win. There is tough competition between the finalists but it's very easy for a television actor to get more votes than models. Our emotions fool our audience and I hope Gauhar gets good votes because she deserves to win. If she doesn't get the trophy then it's very sad for Jhalak [smiles].

What kind of relation do you share with your sister?

She is my kid sister; I am her mother and a friend. She is a very emotional person and I can't see her cry. I am her anchor when I see her falling I have to hold her and vice versa.

What are your hobbies apart from acting?

I love to sleep and I have an amazing group of friends so I hang out with them. I also love to play with my cat.

Are there any plans of settling down?

I would love to and I am ready [smiles]. Right now I am happy being single. I have amazing parents who don't pressurise me about getting married. 

What type of guy would you want to marry?

He will come made to order [smiles].

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke  starts May 27 (every Monday to Friday) at 7.30 pm only on STAR Plus.