Shritama Mitra who is a talented actor from the Bengali industry is presently making wonders as the leading lady in Star Plus’ popular and well-accepted show Advocate Anjali Awasthi. In her first stint as the leading lady in a Hindi TV show, Shritama faces challenges every day and overcomes them with style.
The hard-working actress had the tough task of convincing the Hindi audience of her Hindi-speaking ability, to begin with. She has traversed this tough path with confidence. She is now enjoying the limelight as Advocate Anjali Awasthi is considered a rock-solid show when it comes to its unique plot and powerful portrayals.
Here is Shritama Mitra in an exclusive, detailed conversation with IWMBuzz.com on this journey and more.
Read on.
How has the journey been in full-fledged Hindi TV as the leading lady?
Advocate Anjali Awasthi is my first leading stint in Hindi TV. I have been part of many Bengali TV shows. When I auditioned for the role of Anjali initially, the competition was very tough. I am a Bengali by mother tongue. I never felt that I would get selected for the role. I worked a lot with my Hindi speaking. I was roped in to do workshops even before I was selected. I got to know that I was selected for the lead role of Anjali Awasthi, only a week before the show went on the floor. I was excited and nervous too. I suddenly felt the huge responsibility of doing a decent job with my Hindi accent. Anjali is a powerful character, but my nervousness took over.
Snehashis Chakraborty Sir, our Producer induced the confidence in me that I can do well. He has helped me a lot. Our scriptwriter makes constant corrections to get my Hindi accent right. The help I have got from the production house has been the backbone for me to do well in the role, is what I would say.
The show is 100 episodes old and doing really well. How was the feeling of completing this special achievement?
This was an emotional achievement for me. When I started shooting for the show four months ago, I had never thought that the show would be so well-accepted. I had my own doubts about myself. I had auditioned for the Hindi show only for the sake of gaining experience and had no expectations whatsoever. With time, I got selected, the shoot and airing started and to think that we had crossed four months of airing made me very emotional. Time flew fast. The feeling was special having completed 100 episodes. We celebrated our achievement with the entire family. We actors have a great bond and this is seen in the show. Now, expectations have doubled up for the show (smiles).
Did you ever feel that the show Advocate Anjali Awasthi will be a hit from its first week?
I never had this in mind. When I was doing Bengali shows, the TRP was viewed differently. Everything in the Hindi working sphere has been a learning and a new experience. Now, with Advocate Anjali Awasthi doing well, the idea is that we need to go ahead and grow in our success.
The show has sustained its top rating of being above 2 from its launch phase. What do you feel about it?
In Kolkata, we get to see only the channel-wise ratings. So when I was told about the first week TRP and the overall comparisons between channels, it was new to me. I felt happy to know that the show opened with a 2.2 TVR. Our story is very different, unlike the normal daily soaps seen. The show is loud, with action, emotion, and fights being seen. So to understand that the audience likes such a show has been a great feeling.
The court case has begun now. What can viewers expect to see?
Yes, the court drama has started. Anjali has taken a strong stand in fighting for whatever has happened with her father and also wants to get justice for Padma. Anjali is mature for her age. She is very intelligent too. We have not got the story ahead, but I am glad that the viewers are loving the plot. Anjali is all behind fighting for the truth. So let us see.
What’s the best aspect that you like in Anjali?
Anjali, the character is very strong and outspoken. She does not fear at all and wants justice. What I felt excited about was the phase of the workshop in which I got to know more about Anjali. The fact that Anjali is always action-packed, gave me the added excitement. Anjali drives the Scooty. I initially did not know how to drive a two-wheeler. I learnt to drive it for the show. Yes, my challenge has always been in speaking Hindi well. So I am working hard on it.
What have you in person learned from Anjali?
Shritama is like a child. She does not know how to give back and take a stand in life. Shritama handles situations in a silent mode most often. But Anjali is outspoken and gets solutions even if she needs to fight for them. She is mature, intelligent and smart. I learn a lot from Anjali. We need to apply Anjali’s strength in life at times when we need to speak up and fight for justice. I as Shritama, try to stand up for myself under tough situations and talk logically. All I can say is that I am in love with Anjali.
Would you have shot for this show if it was being shot in Mumbai? Tell us.
Our show was to be shot in Mumbai earlier. I had no issue with that and was excited and looking forward to working in Mumbai. I wanted to fall into the new routine of being part of the Mumbai life. I saw it with a scope for a new adventure in a new place. But when I heard that we would be shooting in Kolkata, my family was certainly happy with the development. I look forward to working in Mumbai for sure. Over the last few months, I have gone to Mumbai for promotion and many events related to the show. I have worked in Filmcity and it was a dream come true.
What is your eagerness level to be part of more projects in Hindi?
Yes, I have aspirations for sure. But Hindi is not my mother tongue, so I’m working on my language skills. Advocate Anjali Awasthi is giving me the complete drill and practice of getting better with the language. I look forward to more opportunities in Hindi TV. I have seen many shows on Star Plus. Having said this, presently, my entire vision is to make Advocate Anjali Awasthi bigger. I want to concentrate on the role at hand and do well. I want to thank Blues Production and Star Plus for giving me this opportunity. Every day on the set is like getting an exam paper. I am enjoying this phase in life. I want to use this opportunity and learn more. I want the show to go higher in popularity and acceptance level.
