Television star Sakshi Tanwar kept a low profile even when she was at the top of her game. Best known for her role as Parvati in popular serial Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Tanwar was not even a contender to play Mahavir Singh Phogat's wife Daya Kaur in Dangal.
Director Nitesh Tiwari disclosed during the Dangal poster launch that Aamir Khan thought about Tanwar, who happens to be Khan's mother's favourite actress. On Khan's request, they decided to test Tanwar.
"Sakshi’s name never crossed my mind till Aamir suggested it. I didn’t know how to react to that because I never saw Sakshi in this kind of role," said Tiwari.
"I thought it was joke when I received a call. Within two days, I was called for the audition,” said Tanwar.
While she cleared the audition instantly, Khan was sure how it would pan out on the sets, but she stunned him with her performance.
"Once she understood what was expected of her, she didn’t even falter once," said Tiwari.
"There’s a sincerity in her acting. She loses herself in that moment and plays her part," said Khan.
Meanwhile, Tanwar was fascinated by the Haryanvi language.
"I’m from Alwar. It is on the border of Rajasthan and Haryana, so I’ve heard Haryanvi. It is such a cool language. I feel this sense of belonging, this love. Some languages sound melodious, but this language is quite different. Even when you are sweet there is this attitude to it," said Tanwar.
Playing a character that ages over time, Tanwar had to sport different looks in the film. "There’s a small segment where we play our younger. selves. I had a blast paying that part. Finally I got to wear bright colors," the TV star added.
Summing up her Dangal experience, Tanwar said, "I would repeat myself and say that you know, one day the universe decided to be generous and I became a part of Dangal."
Watch Tanwar’s Dangal story below.