Actress Anupama Solanki, who has been a part of shows like Yeh Hai Mohabbatien, Nath- Krishna Aur Gauri Ki Kahani, Kuch Reet Jagat Ki Aisi Hai and Jamuniya, says that she has often been at the receiving end of being typecast. She adds that it has both pros and cons.
“I’ve been typecast many times. In my latest Shemaroo TV show, I played the negative lead character named Sulekha, who is always involved in planning and plotting. This isn’t new for me. My first negative lead was in Ekta Kapoor ma’am’s show Dayan, where I played the Devil’s Queen. Since then, I’ve been receiving back-to-back offers for negative lead roles. The list is huge now,” she says.
She adds, “On one side, it’s a drawback because I keep getting cast in negative roles, but on the other side, it’s actually more interesting. It’s you versus a hundred people in the show. Positive lead characters get work once in a blue moon, but negative leads are always in demand. The chances of a positive lead getting repeated work are around 20%, while negative characters remain consistently in demand. Of course, there are pros and cons. Positive characters gain a huge fan following, while negative ones don’t, because people often associate us with our on-screen actions like harassing or harming others. But in real life, I’m the complete opposite of the characters I play. I talk less, I’m calm, cool, and spiritual—but the audience doesn’t care about that.Of course, there are pros and cons. Positive characters gain a huge fan following, while negative ones don’t, because people often associate us with our on-screen actions like harassing or harming others. But in real life, I’m the complete opposite of the characters I play. I talk less, I’m calm, cool, and spiritual but the audience doesn’t care about that.”
Talking about TV content, she says, “To be honest, I’m not very happy with the kind of content the entertainment industry is producing these days: same old Naagin-type shows, same saas-bahu drama. But unfortunately, we don’t have many options.”
She adds, “Sometimes when we actors give creative input or suggestions to directors, they don’t agree or simply ignore us. There are some directors who are supportive, but they are very few.”
Meanwhile, she says that she has certain parameters for choosing her characters. “I’ve also received some unbelievable offers from South cinema that people can’t even imagine. But I have my own boundaries and limitations. I’m an actor and an artist, and I work on my own terms and conditions. Honestly, I’m very happy. I give my 100% to every project I do. If you look at each of my characters, you won’t see Anupama Solanki in them. Whether it’s Mohini in Vighnaharta Ganesha on Sony TV, Kalawati in Nath on Dangal TV, Dayan from Balaji Telefilms, or Tapo Maa in Bindiya Sarkar by Jai Mehta Productions every role is different and I give my all to bring them to life.”
