Exclusive: Madalsa Sharma: Trolling I get for 'Anupamaa' works in my favour

Madalsa Sharma Picture Courtesy: PR

Madalsa Sharma's character Kavya from 'Anupamaa' on Star Plus is unapologetic and knows how to get what she wants. The actress in a chat with midday.com shares her thoughts about the role, how she deals with trolls and much more.

'Anupamaa' has been consistently topping the charts…

That was the goal, it is what I prayed for when I signed up for 'Anupamaa.' Now I feel proud and blessed to see it happening. It's not just women even men from all over the world and of all age groups are loving the show. It's fantastic to achieve so much success in a short span of time.

Were you skeptical since your character has negative shades and TV fans tend to take such things seriously?

Yes, negative characters get trolled and people take our role way too seriously. When I heard Kavya's role for the first time, I realized she's practical and ambitious like any other girl of today. Kavya doesn't plot and plan or dress and put on loud makeup like the typical TV vamp. My character is open about her views and takes a stand for herself. All of us put in effort to get what we want, that doesn't make us grey or negative. Kavya is simply in love with a man who loves her too. The only thing that wasn't right was in the beginning they had their respective partners but were still in an extra marital affair. Everything that happened later was mutual and now they are married so the tables have turned. Kavya is now the daughter-in-law of the house and demands a certain level of respect which the family doesn't give her so she talks and behaves in a certain way and she isn't wrong. I understood all these points about Kavya and she has so many shades which gives me scope to perform. She has a different reaction to every situation which takes the audiences by surprise at times. I get a lot of e-mails from people saying that Kavya inspires them, so many women are still bogged down by societal pressures and can't take a stand for themselves. It's all about ‘log kya kahenge' a character like Kavya inspires them to take control of life. Even the trolling works in my favour because that's what I'm supposed to make them feel.

Is Kavya's style something you are involved in planning?

The creative team puts in a lot of effort into my style. As an actor I like being involved in keeping my makeup and hair different all the time and ensuring I have a new look for every occasion.

How do you react to buzz about you not getting along with your co-star Rupali Ganguly?

Acting is make belief. Tomorrow if I'm playing a murderer it doesn't mean I'm going to murder someone on the street. People must understand we are doing our job and it has nothing to do with their personality. Off screen I get along with everybody, people who I fight with onscreen are my closest buddies in real life.

Gaurav Khanna's entry in the show has been generating a lot of interest, what kind of rapport do you'll share?

His entry has brought in a new twist. Every time there is a new entry in a show there is a lot of buzz created and curiosity about the character. Anuj's track has been built up well, it lifts the show because the audience always expects something different. Gaurav is a thorough professional and I have watched his work in the past. He's sweet and a great actor it's good to have him on set, eventually I'm sure we will bond like family just like the rapport I have with other actors on the show.

How does the team spend their break on set?

Usually we don't get any free time because daily soap shoots are hectic. When I do get a break I'm busy making Instagram reels with my co-stars for fans. If I get a holiday I just spend time at home with family.

Being married into a family family, how does your father-in-law Mithun Chakraborty, husband Mimoh and the rest react to your performance?

They love my role and the spice that Kavya brings in. My husband and mother-in-law watch the show daily and give me their feedback which I love. Dad (Mithun Chakraborty), makes it a point to watch whenever I have any intense scenes. My family is very supportive and I'm glad. Dad gives me advice about the minute details that I need to keep in mind while performing. My mother (Sheela Sharma) also keeps giving me tips.

Was shooting the show during Covid times tough to pull off?

We were shooting when Covid was at its peak. All of Mumbai was closed, the only good thing was there was less traffic while reaching set. Now we have overcome our fear because wearing a mask and social distancing are part of life. We have learnt to live with the virus but people should remember Covid is not gone and we need to protect not just ourselves but also the people around us.