Negative characters have a lot of variations, while positive characters are often molded into a specific archetype: Shaan Mishra

MUMBAI: Maati Se Bandhi Dor actor Shaan Mishra says a negative character is equally important in a story as a positive character. He believes that while a negative character has the liberty to showcase a variety of emotions, a positive character has certain limitations.  

He said, “Negative characters have a lot of variations, while positive characters are often molded into a specific archetype. Negative characters don't have the same limitations, and I've played a negative character that was liked by many. While audiences may hate the character, it's important how you perform it.”  

“If there's no villain, how can the hero shine? Every story needs a villain. I accept that people may hate me for playing a negative character, but I also appreciate their love for my performance,” he added.   Shaan also believes that, though it's common to have limited dialogue on screen, what eventually matters is the performance and the impact it leaves on the audience. He added, “Through your eyes, body language, and delivery, an actor can influence the audience. Before facing the camera, I prepare myself for what I'm about to deliver. What's important is the emotion you convey and the control you have over your performance. Even if it takes 2-3 takes, it can come out more beautifully, and if you nail it in one take, it shows how prepared you are and how much homework you've done. For me, it's always about my homework and hard work.”   When it comes to performing scenes, he says it’s all about digging deep into the character, no matter how physically and emotionally challenging it is.  

“I need to push myself to perform at my best. As an emotional person, I find it easy to perform emotional scenes. As a fitness enthusiast, I also enjoy physically challenging scenes, so I'm always up for both. It's crucial how your character evolves, and that shows in your performance. If you're a loved character, it helps with TRP (TV ratings) and grows the show. It brings involvement and evolution, which is very important for an actor,” he said.  

Shaan also asserted that it’s very important for a character to evolve, and that shows in their performance. “If you are a loved character, then it helps with the TRP and helps to grow the show. It brings involvement and evolution, and it’s very important for an actor,” he ended.