On The Comeback Trail

They are back after a break. But do these veteran actresses feel the TV industry they have returned to, is a better place to work in? Has the comeback syndrome hit Indian television? So it would seem. How else does one explain the re-emergence of Manasi Joshi Roy, Navneet Nishan, Anita Kanwal, Sujata Mehta, Suchitra Krishnamurthy on the small screen...? Roy, who resurfaced on TV (KKusum) after two long years when marriage and motherhood took precedence, feels that the industry has progressed, but only in terms of speed at which work is churned out, and advertising. "But the content has slipped. What are these revenge dramas where decorated women go to high extremes to plot the downfall of almost anybody? Why is their angst so contrived? Why are comedies so much over the top? Why don't we have something like Friends, which makes you laugh and go misty-eyed at the same time? Why are emotional dramas so high-pitched? Why are we hammering things? Why is there so little work for men?" she asks. Navneet Nishan, still recalled as the Tara who lighted up the Zee screens a decade ago, has recently entered Sony's flagship Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin. Says she, "After Tara clicked, I began to get very similar roles. It was very irritating. I did not want to straitjacket myself into a particular slot. I did films like Karz, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Vilayati Babu, Rishtey and Kya Kehna, but could not shake off the Tara tag on the small screen. Then, I got married and went away to the US." Her return may have been spurred by the fact that her marriage didn't work but Nishan, last seen in Masti(with Bewafa and two Punjabi flicks also in her kitty) is not happy the way women are shown on Indian television today "It's not as if I am against women being portrayed traditionally or as housewives, but why can't they be shown as independent and strong-willed individuals? There is much more to a woman than the 'sindoor' and 'mangalsutra', than being just a wife/sister/mother. All that you see of a woman on television are borrowed myths from mythology," she erupts, adding, "Jassi... is different from the regressive serials on television, hence I did not take long to say yes." Listen to Anita Kanwal (Shanti, Just Mohabbat, Banegi Apni Baat ) who disappeared from TV serials three years ago, but is ready to strike back with Sahara's forthcoming Aao Bahen Chugli Karen. "I was terribly peeved with Indian television. Lines are being written at the eleventh hour and actors are left twiddling their thumbs. You are asked to adjust your timings because your co-star is pursuing a parallel career and cannot come at the appointed hour. Any moment, orders might come that you ought to be replaced because you are not 'happening'. Actors striking similar expressions, channels floating serials similar to those of their rivals... it's a sad story," she complains.Roy, who prefers Zee's Astitva - Ek Prem Kahani, to Sony's Jassi... feels that broadcasters should stick to what sells, but there should be a small window left open for experimentation. Suchitra Krishnamurthy (remember Campus??) and Sujata Mehta (Khandaan, Shrikant) are quite optimistic.Mehta, who is remembered for the role of a lifetime in N Chandra's hit movie Pratighat, has returned, courtesy Yeh Meri Life Hai on Sony. The actor, last seen on television five years ago in Andaaz on Zee, says the channel (Sony) and the production house (Optimystix) were extremely keen to cast her but she took 15 days to decide whether to sign on the dotted line. Unaware about the length of her role because the TRPs call the shots, she says, "I play a glamorous actress who is also a mother. It's unique and unusual, unlike the saas-bahu or ma-beti variety," she says, adding, "I wasn't offered challenging roles like this one. Hence, I kept away. I am open to various roles, which will be in keeping with my image. I would not mind playing a bahu if the role gives me a kick. I loved coming back to TV; the payments are better, the working environment is better, the inputs put into the making are a lot more sincere." Krishnamurthy, who is gearing up to host a celeb chat show Hum Aur Tum to be telecast on Zee from 20 June, says that there is lots of good work happening on television, Jassi. and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, for instance. "People like Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar, Karisma Kapoor and Raveena Tandon have come on board. Apparently, the industry is growing at a rapid pace." However, Krishnamurthy modestly says that she would not be the right person to comment on the working conditions in the industry, as she was just 15 when she did Chunauti (she was not seen after that, because she was in London most of the time). "TV stars may be given an AC van or room these days to chill between the shots, but at least I am not here for comforts. Nor would I agree standing in the backdrop as a mute bahu," adds the lady of substance who is also making a comeback in Hindi films with Ram Gopal Varma's Galti Se. Interestingly, Krishnamurthy even refused Hum Aur Tum when it was offered to her. "I was keen on doing a music show. I told Archana from Applause Entertainment that if she had a concept for a music show, I would definitely be interested," she reflects. After several attempts, a persistent Archana finally managed to convince her into signing the contract. 'Acting is like riding a bicycle. You don't forget it ever," muses Roy. Even if the road is a trifle bumpier than last time, these actors of substance are determined to dig in their heels and stick on for a determined second innings. Will we see some more of them on screen next? Shefali Shah? Renuka Shahane? We are waiting.