I am uncomfortable with skin show: Shriya Jha

Shriya Jha, the daughter of veteran actress Amardeep Jha has acted in Telugu and Oriya films. She was essaying the role of the lead character Angana in Rajshri Productions’ Hindi serial Jhilmil Sitaaron Ka Aangan Hoga on Sahara One. We interviewed her while she was shooting her remarriage sequence. She talked about her role, fan feedback, her actress mom, on why she left the show and other interesting things. Nowadays shows on remarriage are catching up on TV. This isn’t a new trend on Rajshri Productions though. Do you think there will now be a clutter of shows on remarriage? Of course this trend is not new to Rajshri Productions. The same was also shown in Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki. I don’t think there will be a clutter though. It all depends on how the theme is portrayed, the story and situation of the show and how well it is executed. I think it’s a coincidence rather than a clutter. Or maybe people are more open to seeing remarriage themes as mindsets are changing. Angana also gets on very well with her step kids… Angana is already friendly with her step kids. The children adore her too. She pampers them and they are like buddies already. Your dream role is like... I would love to do Madhoo’s role in Roja. It is in fact one of my favourite characters. I just love the innocence yet the strength in her character. What kind of roles would you never do? I can never do an item number. I can’t dance well and am uncomfortable with skin show. I would be uncomfortable and a misfit for an item number. What is the best fan feedback that you have got till date? I keep getting a lot of messages from fans through Facebook. I get many sweet messages. There is someone who said that she wanted her daughter to be like me. I get many messages like these which really touch me. Even if something bad happens to you onscreen, fans start messaging you. That is a nice thing. What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses as an actor? My greatest strength as an actor is that I get too involved in the story and character. That however also acts as a disadvantage sometimes. When I go home I am sometimes really cranky and depressed. I hardly use glycerin. So when I cry naturally, I think I end up abusing myself emotionally. This isn’t good. I think as an actor I should cry without letting it to affect me psychologically. I can also say that I am an honest actor. What do you like and dislike about Angana? Sometimes I love Angana for who she is. At times she seems to be too good to be true. If someone is bothering or troubling her, she will try to be nice to them and win them over with love. Are you open to doing reality shows? Not really. The kind of person I am, I get nervous easily. I feel reality shows will make me nervous. Your mom is an actress. She must be an inspiration to you… Oh, yes she teaches me everything from acting to how I should conduct myself. She is a professional who is sincere and dedicated. I strive to be like her. What about the TV industry would you like to change? That is a tricky question. If we didn’t have daily soaps, we actors would be more at peace. Long hours of work; sometimes takes a toll on your health. Back in time on Doordarshan we just had shows which were aired once a week and would go on to do quite well. However the trend has changed and we just can’t go back to that, can we? Is that the reason why you quit the show? The lengthy work hours may have adversely affected your health… It is true that I haven’t been keeping well for a month or two. However, that isn’t because the work atmosphere was stressful. In fact it was fun to work there and my co-stars are great people to work with. I was feeling weak, developing fever and a sore throat regularly. I needed to rest and if you are shooting daily that isn’t possible. After a break of a month or two I will re-start working. Aleeza Khan who will be essaying Angana’s role is a good actress. I am sure that she will do full justice to the role. Do you have a boyfriend now? That is for me to know and for you to guess.