Karishma Tanna plays Geeta, a cop who tries to unearth the dark secrets of four women from wealthy households while fighting her own demons, in Amazon Prime Video’s suspense thriller series Hush Hush, which will stream from September 23.
After the trailer launch of Hush Hush, Karishma shared her thoughts on her gutsy character in the Tanuja Chanda-created show and her experience of working with an all-female star cast and crew, including co-stars Juhi Chawla, Ayesha Jhulka, Soha Ali Khan, Shahana Goswami and Kritika Kamra.
How was your experience of working with the all-female cast and crew of Hush Hush?
Karishma: It’s been refreshing and fantastic. I’m used to working in TV productions where everyone, from the writer to assistants, are men. It’s good to see women are taking over in all departments — they’re confident, innovative and creative.
How do you see the gender lines blurring out? Has OTT played a big role in that?
Karishma: Yes, you can say that. For many years, men used to dominate films and TV, but OTT has given a lot of opportunities to women to showcase their talent. I’m not a feminist — I wouldn’t say that women are superior than men. But I must mention that both women and men are equally talented. And the industry will welcome whoever has talent. I’m loving this blurring of the gender lines as women are getting more visibility and appreciation. It’s important.
You’re playing a cop for the first time. Who have been your favourite on-screen cops?
Karishma: The answer is obvious: it’s Shefali Shah in Delhi Crime. I love her. She is so subtle. Tabu in Drishyam is also fantastic.
What did you bring from your own life to the character that you’re playing in Hush Hush?
Karishma: I was told that the story is set in Delhi. When people think about Karishma Tanna, they think only about glam roles. But this has been a powerful acting-oriented role, which was a challenge for me. When Tanuja (Chandra) ma’am spoke to me, I asked her whether she was sure about me playing this role. She spotted me playing a small role in Sanju and said that I was made to play the cop in Hush Hush.
As she explained the character to me, I felt that this was the opportunity for me to show my acting talent to people. Tanuja ma’am told me that Geeta was focused and brave and would do anything to get to the truth. Without bragging, Karishma in real life is like that. Whether it is family chores or acting, I’m always focused.
Did you leave TV because it is becoming regressive?
Karishma: No, it’s not that. TV is making whatever the audiences like to watch. A show will become regressive or progressive depending on its TRP. And I would not look down upon TV because I have made my name on TV. Now I am hungry for scripts — if it’s a good script, I’ll go to any medium. I want to grow as an actor.
You’ve received a lot of love because of Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The lead of that show, Smriti Irani, has become such a huge figure. Are you still in touch with her?
Karishma: Of course! She is such a grounded person. On every important day of my life, she will message me saying how proud of me she is. When nobody would talk to me, she was the one who would take me aside and tell me, ‘Karishma, you’ll do fine.’ She always wishes me well.
