Sriti Jha on being part of an audio show: It's a new education to portray a role only with voice

Sriti Jha

At the end of a hectic day, Sriti Jha loves curling up with a book, eager to lose herself in the make-believe world. So, when the opportunity of narrating a story came her way, the Kumkum Bhagya actor said yes in a heartbeat. Jha, who has often dabbled in spoken poetry, has gone behind the mic to voice Ekta Kapoor's first audio show Darmiyaan on Audible. In a chat with mid-day, she discusses the nuances of being part of an audio show.

Edited excerpts from the interview:

Did you have inhibitions before taking up the audio show?
I have been consuming audio content, mostly books, for a while now. So, when this was suggested, I was excited. It is a completely new experience, a new education to portray a role only with your voice. I was nervous while going into it because I didn't know how good or bad I will be at it.

How has your experience been in listening to audiobooks so far?
Switching to audiobooks from the written text was slightly difficult. I started with listening to books that I had read before because usually, a person's attention span is low when it comes to audio. Listening to Becoming by Michelle Obama was an interesting experience because she would often break into a song. I also listened to three books of Yuval Noah Harari. I can go on and on about The Sandman by Neil Gaiman; the kind of environment the different actors have created [is commendable].

Do you think there is a huge market for audio shows since we are so used to the visual medium?
There should be. It connects my generation, which hasn't listened to radio plays, to the past. Reading books is not the most popular habit, even though it should be. Similarly, with audio shows, there will be a niche audience.

How difficult was this process for you?
The most challenging thing was I couldn't use my face to express my emotions. I can't turn around if I'm angry at someone, or look away to hide my tears. So, I had to gulp a cry using breathing techniques. I was guided throughout by my director. It helped me grow as an actor too. It was interesting to perform using my voice, and controlling my breathing.

What about the story of Darmiyaan resonated with you?
My character Sakshi is a devoted wife, but her husband cheats on her. She goes through the process of denial and acceptance, but eventually, she also discovers herself. The audio show's structure has her talking to herself while also telling her story. She is on the path of self-discovery, which was the most interesting bit for me.

Have you changed as a person after playing so many characters?
Of course, all my characters have aided my personal growth. Most of them have an immense amount of patience, which I don't have in real life. When you play a role every day, there is osmosis of sorts where your personal traits become part of the character and vice versa.

Do you want to stick to television or are you keen to explore other mediums?
I am an actor, and it is such a beautiful time to be one because there are so many mediums to explore. I am not very ambitious and am content with what I am doing. I just believe in giving my all to whatever comes my way. That said, you never know where life takes you.

Also read: Kumkum Bhagya completes 7 years: Shabir Ahluwalia and Sriti Jha get emotional