Not easy being a soap star...
What about not getting along with co-stars? Or directors? What about gossipmongers? Sampada is candid about it all. "I have been lucky enough to have always had good co-stars, who are now friends. Sometimes, you may not get along with somebody, be it an actor or director, but you still have to work."
She admits there's a lot of gossiping, especially because of the long gaps between shots. "You are forced to sit more than 50 per cent of the time and there's a lot of time to kill. Some stars read, others watch DVDs on laptops, some sleep, some gossip. But that happens in other professions as well."
Spending so much time with the same people also inevitably leads to relationships. "A number of TV actors and film stars opt for marriage. When you work with somebody for long hours, you tend to become compatible." She says she wouldn't like marrying someone from her profession though. "I think it's tough if your shifts are different. I may not see my partner for weeks, which can't lead to a very strong relationship."
And no, as far as romantic scenes are concerned, they don't bring actors closer. "The cameraman is constantly instructing you on keeping your face at a particular angle. There are hundreds of people looking at you. It is anything but romantic!"