The title of this new smallscreen saga Bili Hendthi (which means a fair complexioned wife) reminds the Kannada audience of a classic feature film with the same name directed by the legendary director Puttanna Kanagal, who was a reel magician behind the camera and a farsighted filmmaker. Inspired by it, the latest Bili Hendthi on Star Suvarna is grabbing attention for its unique casting which includes its lead actress, Krystyna Devina Lason who hails from Poland. She portrays the role of a foreigner married to a Kannadiga from a traditional family in the serial. In an exclusive interview with Bengaluru Chronicle, the TV presenter who has worked in various capacities, both in India and the United Kingdom, talks about her acting debut and much more. “I have been working in the television media in various capacities, mostly as a TV presenter, both in the UK, and in India. I recently met the producer of the serial, and heard about the concept and subject, which was very exciting and suited me well. Thus, eventually I became a part of it,” says Krystyna Devina Lason, who hails from Poland, and has so far worked for top news media including CNBC, majorly featuring in their lifestyle segments.
Though not a trained actor, Devina has theatre experience from her London days. She later shifted to media and other projects based in Africa, juggling between her residence in London and major cities in India, including namma ooru.
The tale is inspired by the classic film, and the serial Bili Hendthi too revolves around a foreigner married to an Indian. Once Devina became a part of the venture, she was given the film to watch as well.
“I watched the film Bili Hendthi which helped me understand its core subject. Yet, the serial is not an exact copy, but just an inspiration. I could relate to the two characters from both the movie and the serial. Ever since I started shooting for the serial, I have been trying to first understand, and learn Kannada. I am surrounded by dozens of people on the sets who communicate only in Kannada, which is one of the reasons it has helped me learn the language faster,” she smiles. Her parents have now moved to Mumbai, she has also been familiarised with Indian customs and tradition. She has been living all by herself independently for a long time, this she feels has helped her gain greater confidence in life. Insofar as her costumes are concerned, the actress reveals that she will initially be depicted in a typical Western culture, and as the saga unfolds, things are set to change on screen.
The animal lover has even worked in several NGOs for the protection of animals and their rights during her in stay in New Delhi. She now expresses her desire to continue doing the same work in Bengaluru as well.
Before she wraps up, Krystyna shares that she loves travelling as it keeps her motivated in life, and she exercises and practices yoga regularly to keep fit and have a peaceful mind. As far as close friends go, she says, “I am a frequent traveller so I have made good friends in India too.”
