A doctor by education, this Aurangabad born actor, Smita Dongre is now seen on India’s First Rural Entertainment Channel, Azaad has launched its 4th Original, Lovepantii. Created by Mahesh Pandey Productions, Lovepantii airs at 8 PM, every Monday to Saturday, only on Azaad. The promos are the talk of the town for their uniqueness and interesting character portrayals. The name is even more captivating – Lovepantii. The show is slated to be one the most entertaining youth-centric drama on Indian television.
The lead character, Arjun has been taught to live within parameters set by his father. Even his dreams have been tailored by his parents and he has accepted his life accordingly. The story of Lovepantii is about how this common boy rises to the occasion when he gets an idea that he is in love.
Here’s getting to know a key character, Devi Singh enacted by the veteran actor, Smita Dongre. The actress belongs to Aurangabad, Maharashtra. She is from a theatre background and been working since 15years in the film industry. Her best work in TV includea hits like Saibaba Balika Vadhu, Maharana Pratap, Astitva Ek Prem Kahani, Banu Main Teri Dulhan, Sonpari, Meri Maa, Mere Sai, CID, Aahat, Savdhan India, Crime Petrol, Pyar Tune Kya Kiya, Code Red, Lal Ishq, Crime alert, Mauka E Wardat, movies like Agnipankh, Aao Bhag Chale, Mere Sairam and many ad films like Baily Mineral Water, Swatch Bharat, Mutthut finance, Manyavar, MasterCard, Amazon, Flipkart amongst others.
The character, Devi, that Smita enacts is the eldest lady who manages the house and thus commands authority in the house. She is not very educated and she comes from a lower economic family. Hence, she enjoys the affluent life after marriage. She lets Kedarnath run her life too. She can stand up against anyone, but never against Kedarnath. She loves him and respects him for changing her life for the better and hence has become a devoted mother completely. Even when Kedarnath decided to raise Ranjana, the daughter of Kedarnath’s younger brother, as his own, she could not refuse him. Devi is just concerned about her own daughter. She worries that Ranjana’s extrovert behavior should not rub off of on her daughter, Suman, hence, she wants Suman to get married at the earliest. She loves Ranjana too, but subconsciously, Ranjana will always be Prakash and Sumitra’s daughter to her.
What made you say yes for this show?
I was very happy when I got a call for this show as a part of the primary cast because in COVID, many people lost their jobs and many were searching for work. I directly got a call for such a wonderful character from Mahesh Pandey Productions. I knew that Mahesh ji is very good writer and he will definitely give justice to every character so I was very excited. I sent my audition. And got positive response from the channel too. I’m thankful to Azaad’s team and Mahesh ji for giving me this opportunity to entertain rural audiences.
How did you prepare for the role?
I mentally prepared myself as a Devi, who is a mother as well as a Thakurain, and has her own beliefs about society and family, especially about girls and daughters. I prepared myself for it by trying to understand the character’s mindset.
If there is one thing you would like to change about your character in the show, what would it be?
Actually, I personally dislike any comparison between males and females and am against male dominance but in some situations, we need to understand the differences. I’m not for male dominance but as Devi, I go with the writer’s vision.
What was your first reaction when you were finalized for the show?
I am a very positive person and a strong believer of Karma. I was very happy when I got the confirmation call and felt blessed because, as I mentioned there are so many in such a worse situation. We have all gone a rough patch where there are many yet jobless with no extra source of income in our industry and are suffering. That I got such a wonderful project, I’m thankful to God, Azaad and especially Mahesh Pandey ji who believed that I’m capable to enact this character and also thank my family for their support.
How do you’ll deal with creative differences on the set while shooting?
There are no creative differences. Our entire team is like a family so we always have a proper discussion if we have any doubts and our creative team explains everything to us very well.
Tell us more about before becoming an actor?
As all of you know I’m a doctor by education. I completed my medical and started my own clinic. That time some of my friends joined our industry and they knew that I was very active in cultural programs like drama, singing, etc, in college and so they approached me for auditions and thats how my acting journey began.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I was never in rat race. Acting is my passion and my family is my priority and responsibility, so, I always worked to balanc both. I worked for my satisfaction and I never compare myself with anyone. I’m pursuing my own path so definitely in next five years also, I’ll be at some different and better destination but for sure, I’m not in rat race.
Azaad is available on Tata Sky 183, DD FreeDish Channel no 36, Siti Cable 134 and is free on MX Player.
