The Netflix series 'Single Papa', created by real-life couple Ishita Moitra and Neeraj Udhwani, continues to receive acclaim for its nuanced and sensitive portrayal of modern parenthood. Featuring a stellar cast led by Kunal Kemmu, with Manoj Pahwa, Ayesha Raza, Prajakta Koli, Neha Dhupia, and Aisha Ahmed in pivotal roles, the show has struck a chord with audiences. Among them, actress Aisha Ahmed, who portrays Dr. Shreya, recently shared the heartfelt reasons behind her immediate decision to join the project.
The Instinctive 'Yes' to Single Papa
In a candid conversation with India Today, Aisha Ahmed revealed that her choice to be part of 'Single Papa' was driven more by gut feeling than by a meticulous analysis of the script. She emphasized that the creative minds attached to the series held greater significance for her than the scale of her role. "If I’m being completely honest, when this opportunity came to me, there was no way I would say no, whether it was a small part or a big part," the actress confessed.
Her deep respect for the team ultimately sealed the deal. "I’ve genuinely been a fan of everyone’s work, be it Shashank, Neeraj, Hitesh, the writers. And when I heard Kunal Kemmu was on board, it was like the cherry on top. I’ve admired his work not just as an actor but also as a director," she added. It was only after committing that Aisha read the script and discovered that her character, Dr. Shreya, was crafted with substantial depth and dignity, possessing her own identity rather than merely serving as a plot device.
Kunal Kemmu: A Lesson in Prepared Spontaneity
Working alongside Kunal Kemmu proved to be a transformative experience for Aisha's acting process. She admitted to having preconceived notions about his working style, which were pleasantly upended on set. "I thought he would be extremely spontaneous and I wouldn’t know how to respond. But what I learnt is that Kunal is an incredibly prepared actor. He doesn’t just show up and wing it," she stated.
Observing him closely reshaped her understanding of what it means to be spontaneous in front of the camera. "I learnt that being spontaneous doesn’t mean not being prepared," Aisha elaborated. "I used to think if you rehearse too much, it becomes planned and pale. But from him, I learnt that you can only be spontaneous when you’re fully prepared and in control of what the scene demands." This insight marked a significant shift in her approach to performance.
Shashank Khaitan's Cohesive Vision
Aisha Ahmed also heaped praise on showrunner Shashank Khaitan, crediting him as the unifying force behind the series' consistent tone. "The more I say about him, the less it will be," she remarked, highlighting his exceptional ability to harmonize the work of multiple directors while preserving a singular vision for 'Single Papa'.
"He made sure everyone had their space, but everything stayed on the same line," she explained. For Aisha and the cast, this leadership created a seamless environment where "it genuinely felt like one director’s vision every day," ensuring narrative cohesion throughout the filming process.
The heartfelt storytelling and strong collaborative spirit evident in 'Single Papa' are clearly resonating with viewers. The series, featuring Kunal Kemmu in a lead role, is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
