Jennifer Winget Goes Through Physical and Mental Training for ‘Code M’

BY ILA SANKRITYAYAN

MUMBAI, (IANS) – Popular TV face Jennifer Winget is back in Season 2 of ‘Code M’ as Major Monica Mehra. Ektaa R. Kapoor’s ‘Code M’ marks the OTT debut of Jennifer.

The actress who was seen in TV show ‘Beyhadh 2’, playing the role of a psychopath Maya, is seen in the series as a fearless and brave Monica Mehra, the hero in the series that revolves around the Indian Army.

Jennifer said, “Every bit of this character, I have enjoyed playing because it is also kind of therapeutic for me as a person. Monica, for example, is such a strong headed and such a confident and no-nonsense kind of person. So, I take a leaf out of her book sometimes. With this character, I try to believe in what I am. So, it’s just as challenging and tough, it is also very rewarding as an actor.”

While season 1 of ‘Code M’ saw Major Monica Mehra, an Indian Army lawyer who is investigating cases related to the assassination of Indian Army officers, Season 2 will bring more detailed side of her character.

The ‘Bepannah’ actress further talked about her working experience with co-actors, Tanuj Virwani, Rajat Kapoor and Swanand Kirkire.

“It was just a great experience. In season one, I got to work with Rajat Kapoor and Tanuj. I got to learn so much from Mr Kapoor. It was just amazing working with him and Tanuj. As you know, we have also become friends over a period, and he’s just such an amazing person to be around. He is full of life.”

She added: “Every time we are working together, I’m just constantly laughing, and I just love having that positivity around me. And in season two I got to work with Swanand Kirkire and other actors that I can’t name right now. So, it is just so nice to be in their company and to learn so much from them.”

Asked how she prepared herself physically and emotionally for playing such a badass character, she replied: “I think it’s not just me. We all put in a lot of effort from our director, producer, or action master, my co-actors, we all, I think, got on the same page, and put in the same amount of love, heart, and soul. There was physical training that I had to do to be able to perform the stunts effortlessly on-screen. But that’s the kind of prep that I love to do before any project that I start.”

Jennifer asserted despite playing a strong-headed character, there are many shades of Monica where the audience will relate to it.

While playing such a fierce character, one needs to focus on physical strength and her fitness mantra, “is to be healthy is to not just conform to one form of exercise or diet or go on these crazy diets. I don’t believe that. I believe in being healthy. I am not a gym fanatic. I love yoga, my pilates, horse riding, swimming, I love doing these kinds of outdoor sports. They allow me to be in nature because we don’t get to do that very often in the city. I am consistent with whatever workout that I do. And just stick at it and have fun with it.”

On how she deals with controversies and being linked to co-actors, she answered firmly: “I don’t deal with it only. It’s a part of the profession that I am in. My family and friends know my truth and my fans know my truth and that’s all that matters to me.”

Alongside Jennifer, Tanuj Virwani and Swanand Kirkire will also be seen returning to ‘Code M’ Season 2 in key roles.

Helmed by Akshay Choubey, created by Ektaa R Kapoor, the eight-episode series ‘Code M 2’ premieres on June 9 on Voot Select.