India, Nov. 1 -- S Farah Rizvi Stepping onto the set of her first OTT project around the UP border, actor Kanika Maheshwari brings 20 years of rich television journey into a whole new medium. Transitioning from daily soap to OTT took an ambition months in the making. "Stepping into the OTT platform was a great opportunity given to me that I have been manifesting it for the last six months," she shares, reflecting on her artistic reset. "The manifestation was very strong. Short-take kind of scenes are very different, so I came with an empty cup I am still learning." Talking about her Lucknow-based character in an ongoing show, "Playing a baddie in show Seher Hone Ko Hai made me look at the dark roles in different light.I remember the makers were calling for two months, but I didn't confirm. The scenes I have had to do are unlike anything I have attempted before, and it takes a lot of courage to step out of one's comfort zone," she says. The psychological weight of the role was so intense that shedding the character became a physical necessity. "I really have to wash myself out of the character of Husan Aara and the vamp vibes," (laughs). Beyond the dramatic intensity, the role centred on Lucknawi Urdu made her explore the language for the first time. "My experience with Urdu language was so refreshing. It's such a beautiful and expressive language. Even, as the show ends, I really want to continue to learn it because it sounds so respectful." On the audience reaction as the ultimate validation of her craft: "If you portray such a negative character and people hate you for that, it's a win for you because it's not easy to perform." Shooting stories deeply rooted in the heartland naturally brings up connections to places like Lucknow, "Lucknow means memories that started as a child visiting relatives and then of course for work. There are a lot of Maheshwaris in Lucknow and I have very fond memories. If I had a choice, I would make more frequent visits to the city."...