Tanuja removed my fear of facing camera, says Ayesha Jhulka

Ayesha Jhulka

A look at the trailer of Hush Hush will instantly remind you of the iconic Big Little Lies. When we sit down with Ayesha Jhulka, that's where we start our conversation. "This show is nothing like that. The script is completely different," says the actor, who makes her comeback with the series. Though Jhulka played bit parts in films over the years, most noticeably in Socha Na Tha (2005) and Umrao Jaan (2006), she didn't pursue Bollywood with the same gusto as she did through the '90s. In the Amazon Prime Video thriller, she stars alongside Juhi Chawla, Soha Ali Khan, Shahana Goswami, Kritika Kamra and Karishma Tanna. "The dynamics on the set was lovely. Contrary to what we traditionally know, a women-heavy set is far from the cat-fights and unpleasantness. On screen, people will see a new vein of storytelling."

Hush Hush features Kritika Kamra, Shahana Goswami, Soha Ali Khan, besides Juhi Chawla and Karishma Tanna

Facing the camera after a hiatus was a challenge for her. The actor, 50, found a trustworthy guide in director Tanuja Chandra. "Initially, there was fear and nervousness. But like they say - once an actor, always an actor. The moment I found my comfort level on set, I was at ease. I didn't feel the gap of the years in between. I felt like I belonged in front of the camera, on a film set. Tanuja was convinced on how she wanted the role to be portrayed. Her confidence made me jump into it. She removed my fear of facing the camera. My character is an enigma, and will make people ponder."

Tanuja Chandra

Returning to a set after so many years also makes an actor realise the many shifts in the industry's functioning. Jhulka notes that workshops are now the norm - a practice that was unheard of in the '90s. "The prep and workshops are integral to character building. I had to go through the grind and put myself into my character's shoes to bring out the required emotions. Now, I am feeling renewed and re-energised. I was always looking for meaty roles. That's why I refrained from picking up roles for the heck of it. Hush Hush made me realise that I have more potential than I gave myself credit for."