Manul Chudasama, the new Mariam in the TV show Ali Baba - Ek Andaaz Andekha: Chapter 2, is prepared for comparisons that come with replacing Tunisha Sharma, who reportedly died by suicide on December 24 on the set of the show. Subsequently, Sheezan Khan, who played the original male lead, was arrested for abetment to suicide following a complaint by Tunisha’s mother. While there was buzz that the makers wouldn’t bring in another actress to play Tunisha’s role, there was a change of plan recently, and Manul was roped in for the part.
Acknowledging that being compared to Tunisha is beyond her control, Manul says, “That is bound to happen. While being compared is beyond my control, I’m determined to give my 100 per cent and do justice to the character. I want to come 99 per cent close to how Tunisha played the part because I can’t take that one per cent away from her. If I manage to do that, it will be a big win.”
The actress, who has earlier been part of shows like Ek Thi Rani Ek Tha Raavan, Tenali Rama, and Brij Ke Gopal, says she was nervous about accepting the offer because Tunisha played the character beautifully, and the audience got used to watching her as Mariam. “What happened is unfortunate, and I feel extremely sorry about it. The original lead couple did a great job at establishing the show. Everyone in the unit misses Tunisha, as she was sweet, and that’s the impact she left on people. However, we have no choice but to accept the sad reality that she is no more,” says Manul, adding, “I don’t intend to step into Tunisha’s shoes because nobody can or call it a replacement. Every actor brings a certain uniqueness to a character. Everybody is used to seeing her aur ab mujhe meri jagah banaani hai unke dil mein. It’s a huge responsibility.”
Incidentally, Manul was paired opposite Sheezan Khan in Ek Thi Rani Ek Tha Raavan. Talking about sharing screen space with him, she says, “We shared a professional equation. He is a talented actor.”
