Anupamaa’s Parakh Madan feels actors should EDUCATE themselves in 2 important spaces, Know what

Parakh Madan, who has been a part of shows like Bhagyalakshmi, Anupamaa, Meet, Qurbaan Hua, Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, Niyati, and Saathi Re, to name a few, believes her craft has evolved with life experiences, both personal and professional.

She said, "As you grow personally and professionally, you gather experiences in real and reel life, which help you understand yourself better. And the more you understand yourself, the more it helps you in portrayal. And acting is basically behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances."

"I take inspiration from almost any and everything I go through in this beautiful journey called life, which I think helps greatly in the evolution of my craft," she added.

I take inspiration from almost any and everything I go through in this beautiful journey called life, which I think helps greatly in the evolution of my craft.

- Parakh Madan

She stressed that an actor should continue to reinvent themselves. She said, "I think it is essential for an actor’s survival. Staying in the same place and adhering to old ways and set patterns leads to irrelevance today. One has to change with the times without losing one’s individuality."

She stressed that other than a knack for acting, an actor should be aware of a few other things too. She said, "I think the core of the craft will always remain pure talent. But looking at the speed at which things are changing, educating yourself about the technical know-how, and some basic entrepreneurial skills are going to become essentials very soon."

I think the core of the craft will always remain pure talent. But looking at the speed at which things are changing, educating yourself about the technical know-how, and some basic entrepreneurial skills are going to become essentials very soon

- Parakh Madan

Parakh mentioned that the industry has become more open to experimentation and said, "It is currently in an era where traditional as well as modern methods/content coexist. So, that leaves a lot of scope for experimentation."

"The dominance of multiple streaming platforms is resetting the storytelling. Unlike larger-than-life characters, current content is thriving on morally complex characters, anti-heroes, and flawed protagonists," she added.

She also emphasized that digital platforms have increased the longevity and reach of an actor. She said, "Digital platforms are democratizing stardom, which is fantastic in my opinion. It is helping in recognizing talent without the taboo of typecasting."

And she pointed out that actors have a responsibility when it comes to choosing stories too. "Stardom always comes with responsibilities, and one of those responsibilities is to use your influence to address social realities. For example, menstrual hygiene awareness (Padman) or normalizing fertility issues (Vicky Donor), and so on."

"As an actor, one must be open to putting that message out there for the audiences through their work," Parakh ended.