Aahana Kumra speaks up about how respect is the most important thing in a relationship. In the midst of Valentine’s week, she speaks up about the special day, the week and the special memories attached to it.
Aahana Kumra is one of the most prolific names when it comes to actresses in today’s times. Whether it’s fashion shoots or films or OTT shows or theatre plays or teleplays, she is present almost everywhere. She has been raising the temperature on social media as well with her smoking-hot photoshoots.
With us being in Valentine’s week, Aahana Kumra speaks to Prateek Sur about her memories of Valentine’s week, how she celebrates this week every year, her most romantic play and lots more. Excerpts:
Is Valentine's week only about romantic love? Or is it a good occasion to celebrate friendship as well?
It would be corny to reference Shah Rukh Khan in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' and repeat what he said, “Pyaar Dosti Hai”, but it is really true. I feel, if you can't be best friends then you cannot be lovers. Also having solid friendships is very important because they infuse your life with fun, togetherness and love. Valentine's Day I feel is just another day to celebrate love which could be for anybody. I give flowers to my parents early in the morning on Valentine’s Day. It’s just incredible what you can do for your loved ones and I don’t think Valentine’s Day should be restricted just to romantic love. It is meant to celebrate just about anybody we love.
What is your most treasured memory of this day?
I don't think I have any treasured memory of this particular day as I am always working. I can't remember making any special plans on the 14th and I think doing a special project or a new play on this day would be the best gift.
What is your view on celebrating Valentine's Day?
I think it's quite lovely to feel love in the air and to see cute little hearts and flowers all around you. It’s nice to see people celebrate this day but as actors, at times, we are so busy that I feel, our life passes by and we sometimes don’t get to make memories with our partners or our friends as often as we would like.
What is the most important thing in a relationship?
I think respect is the most important thing in a relationship. I think if you lose respect for your partner, then there is no love left in the connection.
Being a theatre artist, do you think being a romantic character in front of a live audience is difficult or different?
Not really because I began my theatre career with a play which talked about romance in a conversational way and emoting became second nature to me. On stage, it is not so much about expressing love but feeling the emotion within because when you feel it, you automatically exude it and the audience connects with it even if it is implicit and not explicit.
What do you feel is the best romantic genre teleplay you did?
Zee Theatre's 'Sir Sir Sarla' is the most romantic teleplay I have ever done but if you ask me about theatre, then I would mention 'By George' which is about George Bernard Shaw and was directed by Naseeruddin Shah. Faisal Rashid and I played two characters who are trying to find love. This was the first play I did professionally, so it is very close to my heart and I will always remember it forever.