I do not want an 'only lead role girl' stamp on me - Shriya Jha

The latest addition in the cast of Colors long running show Uttaran is Shriya Jha and she needs no introduction in front of the show's avid viewers. For the uninitiated, she entered the serial as Chameli a prostitute with an eight year old daughter and her sole motive in life was to keep her daughter out of prostitution. But, she also had a back story with the show's main lead Meethi’s (Tina Dutta) husband Akash (Mrunal Jain). She was in fact his ex-girlfriend. A strong plot and good acting skills have given a lot of appreciation for Shriya and she is extremely happy about it. “I am currently seen as Nandini who has moved from roads to Meethi’s house (smiles). This is indeed the most exciting role that I’ve played. I did not know that I could essay a character like this till I saw myself in this role for the first time, on screen. I was introduced as a prostitute who chews pan and doesn’t give a damn about anyone,” states the actress. Slowly and gradually, Nandini is turning out be negative. Are you open to essaying a negative role on-screen? “I don’t mind as long as the role is meaty. Plus Nandini is not an out and out negative character. She has basic human emotions like jealously, something that she feels when she sees Akash around Meethi but there are situations where she can’t help herself but fall in love with Akash again. So, she has different shades,” justifies Shriya. You played a lead in Sahara One’s Jhilmil Sitaaron Ka Aangan Hoga. Does a character role make you happy? “It is an amazing role. Plus as long as I am being noticed I am happy. I do not want an ‘only lead role girl’ stamp on me,” states the artist. What has been the best compliment that you’ve received for this role so far? “A friend’s mother told me that she saw innocence in the eyes of Chameli. I think that is the best compliment so far. To be playing a prostitute, yet getting a compliment like this is great. And I think that the compliment came into the picture because I always kept Nandini’s back story in my mind while essaying Chameli and that came through.” Have you managed to become friends with anyone on the sets of Uttaran yet? “I take a very long time to open up. I’d say I am painfully too shy a person to go ahead and shake hands with someone; so I haven’t managed to make any friends yet,” ends the actor with a smile. Keep up the good work Shriya.