I believe after Devdas I was recognised for my negative portrayal of a wicked sister-in-law and I guess that’s what placed me on the map in the entertainment industry…says Ananya Khare

Deepa from Chandani Bar to some and Kumud from Devdas for many, the spectacular Ananya Khare has set a benchmark for many artists from the industry for her portrayal of an antagonist on screen.

Ananya has won many accolades and appreciation for his stint in the Hindi entertainment industry.

Be it television or Bollywood, the talented artist has aced it all. Taking on from that Ananya will now be seen making a come-back post Covid-19 with Star Bharats’ upcoming new show Lakshmi Ghar Aayi.

She will be seen essaying the role of Jwala Devi – the antagonist in the show. When spoken to her on her stint in the new normal she said.

You are making an exciting come-back on television with Lakshmi Ghar Aayi in the role of an antagonist – How excited are you over the same?

It is believed that one of the toughest things to play in TV shows is the roles of an antagonist.

Many professional actors and actresses sometimes have a hard time portraying negative characters on screen.

However, I feel each negative character can be played with a difference and I am happy to be appreciated for my efforts.

It is not easy to always play a negative role on-screen as there are times people make a perception of you.

I believe after Devdas I was recognised for my negative portrayal of a wicked sister-in-law and I guess that’s what placed me on the map in the entertainment industry.

Well, being an actor I believe if that is the reaction of the audience, then I have done justice to my role.

My character Jwala in the show is that of a crude woman who is complicated. She is obsessed with money and has many shades to her role.

I am excited to take up this challenge of playing this eccentric Jwala Devi and I hope to do justice to the same.

What made you say yes to the character of Jwala Devi?

It feels great to be a part of a show like Lakshmi Ghar Aayi that aims to raise awareness and bring light on the social cause of Dowry.

The show is so beautifully written and scripted – that I just couldn’t say no. I have been reading many scripts over the due course of time, but this show caught my eye and I was like yes – this is it.

I am very happy to work with Shakuntalam Telefilms and Star Bharat and I am looking forward to this journey

Tell us something more about your character

As I mentioned above my character Jwala in the show is that of a crude woman. She is obsessed with money and worships goddess Laxmi with the hope that she will shower money on her.

Jwala is a complicated character with hopes and ambitions, which she is sure her son will fulfil.

She is extremely proud of her son. She is on the look-out for a daughter-in-law who can get the dowry and she does not care about her looks or traits – she is the believer of “Sunder Ho ya Anpadh chahiye bahu wahi jo laye Fridge, TV ya Car…”

What can the viewers look forward to from this show?

All I will say that through this show we hope to bring to light that the love, values and happiness a daughter-in-law brings to her extended family when married is much more than any wealth or priced gifts

Do you feel when one plays a negative role they get typecast and stereotyped? What is your opinion on the same – Do you believe it?

Well they say you don’t choose a character the character chooses you. As I mentioned above, many people do not feel comfortable essaying the role of an antagonist.

It is definitely not an easy task. But then over the years as one sees a certain artist play a specific role, it gets very easy to get stereotyped.

I feel privileged knowing for a fact that the makers, producers and the channel have the faith in me to pull off Jwala Devi and bring her on screen.

Coming back on screen post lockdown and getting an opportunity to play Jwala is truly a cherry in the cake at this point of my time in my career.

I said a yes without having second thoughts in my mind because it’s a privilege being a part of this show which is so beautifully written with a strong message and working alongside an exciting set of colleagues and production house is something I am looking forward to.

So personally it is up to me to make this character different from others negative roles I have played – and I am grateful to be appreciated for my work.

Tell us something of your most memorable performance?

In the past over 25 years of work, there has been no role that I have not enjoyed. I’m very thankful to have the roles that I got.

However, my role in films Devdas and Chandni Bar are very dear to me. Also my work with legends like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee, Aasha Parekh ji, Ashok Kumarji, Jaya Bacchan ji, Om Puri ji, Mahesh Bhatt, and so many others are precious memories which I am deeply grateful for.

How does it feel shooting in the new normal? How is your experience and what safety measures are taken on the sets?

Returning back to working in the new normal has been very different. Where once there were people in abundance on the sets, now they are barely to be seen.

Unfortunately we are in such a situation where we have to make sure we are safe so then the other person around you is safe too.

As they say charity begins at home – I feel safety begins at home too. The cast and crew on the sets are very responsible.

The makers of the show have left no stone unturned to make sure everyone’s’ temperatures are checked before entering the set – sanitizations of our vanity vans and areas – even the equipment’s for that matter.

Everyone has done a fabulous job and I feel safe and secured coming to shoot. I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the team for their hard-work and dedication

Which is your most favorite moment/character you have played till date?

Difficult to pick, as I put in equal effort and hard work in everything I do.

How is your experience working with your co-actors?

The entire cast and crew of the show is very supportive and fun to work with. These are initial days but the teams seem to be promising to have a blast and full of entertainment in the long run.

Your lockdown experience

When the lockdown started initially, we were not aware that it would last this long. I spent a lot of quality time with my family and it was really a silver lining for me.

I think this lockdown has got families together and I have cherished each and every moment with my family. My Nichiren Buddhist practice kept me centred and calm in this tough time.

Tune in to watch your favorite antagonist Ananya Khare make a comeback on screen – starting 5th July every Monday to Friday in Lakshmi Ghar Aayi only on Star Bharat