Versatile actor Ashlesha Sawant has very conveniently eased into the character of Barkha in Star Plus’ popular show Anupamaa. An actress with oodles of experience, Ashlesha is being loved in the role. Her sequences with Anuj, Anupamaa and Ankush have derived interest.
In a candid chat with IWMBuzz.com, Ashlesha talks about her experience in the cast of Anupamaa.
Read on!!
How has the journey been as Barkha in Anupamaa?
Barkha is a well-written role in the popular show Anupamaa. I have been doing too many things at the same time with our movie too releasing. I am grateful for all the work that has come my way. It has been hard work for sure, but I feel blessed.
Tell us about the attribute of Barkha that you love to portray.
Barkha is a family-oriented person. She really loves her family. I love this aspect about her. She is real in this aspect. I would not have done the role if she was the very in-your-face negative role. There is a genuineness in whatever she is doing. In Indian TV, you need that negative flavour in any show. Having said this, I like how the makers have executed this character of Barkha.
How has the response been for the character?
The response has been overwhelming and quick. When you enter a popular show, you are encashing on the popularity and hard work that has been done by other artists. I have just joined the popularity of this show and for that, I am very grateful. I am very glad that I am playing this role in such a big show. The creative team, writers and directors have shaped up the role really well. I am just enacting their idea.
How is it to shoot with Rupali Ganguly?
Rupaliji, as I call her, is a fabulous actress. She is my senior. She is so natural, I get to learn a lot from her. I try to be as natural as possible with my lines. But the character I play cannot come across as very natural on screen. So this brings in a balance to our scenes. Anupamaa has had a transformation and she does not take anything lying down. She is ready to give it back. I am happy to have joined the show at this phase where Anupamaa is ready to fight her own battles. To have my scenes against this powerful character is fun.
How would you describe your character?
See, the writers have etched the Shah and Kapadia family characters amazingly well. In the Shah family, all are strong characters. Everyone except probably Babuji, speak their mind. Come to the Kapadia family, you have Barkha who will speak aloud. But she too has a need to get diplomatic when needed. She will watch and observe the situation before opening her mouth. There are times when she has coiled up too. So these variations have in fact created more curiosity, especially when the two families clash.
What has been your favourite scene in the show till now?
I like all the scenes that I have done. For Barkha, it has been a linear curve where she wants to talk about business. She has her agenda clear in her mind. I like my scenes with Ankush. Ankush tries to discipline Barkha but he can’t do much. Having said this, there are scenes too where Ankush puts her in her place. I also like my scenes with Anuj and Anupamaa.
Tell us about the experience of making Haryana.
Working on Haryana has been a great experience. I am breathing and living this film for so long a time now. It is a two-year-long dream. A lot of hard work has gone into it. I have to thank my team of Anupamaa who have supported me to be available for the promotions of Haryana. I am glad that I have been able to manage both. I am grateful to the team of Anupamaa for making this happen.
The USP of Haryana is its story. The content is very good, and how it has been written is the USP. We have got a very good response. This is the first for many people. It is a first for me as Producer. It is a first for Sandeep as Producer and Director. It is a first for many actors. When a dream is being made, it is a collaborative team effort. As far as the story goes, it is a beautiful story.
Best of luck, Ashlesha!!
