Jasmine Bhasin Exclusive: I want to do such roles on OTT that do not embarrass my parents

Jasmine Bhasin, who started her career with South films, has also gained a lot of fame on TV. She has been a part of many serials and reality shows, but for some time now she has turned to Punjabi films. These days she is in the news for her new Punjabi film ‘Ardaas Sarbat De Bhalle Di’. A special conversation with her. You have been seen in Punjabi films for some time now, but you have also worked a lot on TV, will you return to TV?
– Television has given me that recognition. The love, recognition and fan following I have got is all because of TV. And I can never forget the small screen. This is my home and I will definitely come back whenever I feel like it. But as an artist, I want an opportunity to work on every platform. Be it a film, web series or television.

There is a lot of openness on OTT, so are you keen to work on OTT as well?
-Because of this openness, I have not yet come on OTT, because I have some reservations, some limitations. In this affair, many such things happened, which did not materialize, but soon I would definitely like to do something on OTT, which is strong, but for that I do not have to cross my limits. I want to do such a role that even if my parents see it, they do not feel embarrassed. I do not avoid OTT, but I also take care of those who love me regarding the character.

You started your career with South Indian films, but then you came to the small screen and now you are associated with Punjabi cinema, so this shift was more convenient for you because you are familiar with the language here?
To be honest, I never thought that I would ever be a part of the glamour world. I completed my graduation in hospitality from Jaipur and after that I started working at Taj Palace in Delhi. During that time, I got modelling offers and then through that I got a South film. Then I realized that I have to come into the field of acting. When I felt that if I want to make a career in acting, then I will have to come to Mumbai for that. That’s how my journey started and I entered TV. Now when I got a chance to do Punjabi films, I did it, so what I mean to say is that moving from South to Punjabi films was not a well thought out strategy of mine. It was God’s planning. Yes, it was easy for me because my mother tongue was Punjabi. When you belong to the same culture, then the environment is familiar to you. I am lucky that I got the support of good people.

I never thought that I would be a part of the glamour world

Jasmin Bhasin

In Bollywood, heroines always complain about pay parity. Being a heroine from the Punjabi industry, how has your experience been there?
-My experience here has been good. To be honest, I have not even thought about pay parity, because I feel that as an artist I have not reached that level. I have not got that validation yet. I feel an artist gets respect for his/her work. he/she has to decide his/her own journey, you have to prove it. You don’t get it by fighting. Once you prove yourself, you start getting respect automatically. Today, be it Punjabi or Hindi industry, women-oriented films are being made in abundance. In the industry, heroines are also getting their due remuneration. You should prove yourself with your art and not by fighting.

How spiritual are you?
I am very spiritual because my journey has been full of ups and downs. I believe that God has taken care of me and protected me. I have got a lot of support from my prayers in difficult times. God has taught me to walk by holding my finger. I regularly go to the Gurudwara and bow my head.

It was God who took care of me and protected me and supported me in difficult times.

Jasmin Bhasin

The name of your upcoming film is Ardaas Sarbat De Bhalle Di, when was your Ardaas i.e. prayer completed?
-I have my own story about prayers. When I entered this industry in 2012, I did not understand what to do. I was very upset. From 2014, I started feeling lost. I was going through a very difficult phase. The agency used to say that you should work in films, but at that time I was also facing financial problems. There were problems in the family too. At that time, I just prayed to Wahe Guru that O Wahe Guru, show me the way. In 2015, a time came when I just asked God to show me the right path. And then I got an opportunity in TV, which proved to be the biggest turning point of my life. Although I was not even thinking about TV, because my dreams were something else. But once I started my journey on the small screen, then I never looked back.

How much does Ali Goni compliment you as a partner? Recently, during your eye problem, Ali gave you full support?

-Since we both are from the same profession, he/she understands my commitment. he/she is very supportive as a partner. he/she takes great care of me.