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STARRY IDENTITY CRISIS?
11 Jun, 2007 l 0000 hrs ISTlPriyanka Tiwari/TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Hyderabad Times finds out how telly actors deal with their strong screen presence, which most often is stronger than their real life identity.
Tulsi , Parvati, Prerna, Kum Kum and Saloni aren't just the names of characters. They have come to become the first names of actors playing the characters. The screen image of these actors dominates their original identity. As Smriti Iraani - better known as Tulsi - is out of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu Thi, speculations are rife on whether the new face can carry the role, powerfully . And that makes one wonder whether it is the actor or the character that makes these daily soaps a big hit. So are the actors comfortable if their on screen identity is stronger than their original one?
Strong role, strong impact
According to Mona Singh, who is still referred to as Jassi, even after Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin went off air, the character's impact is still present. "If the role is strong, the impact is bound to be substantial ," she says. Actor Ronit Roy agrees. He says, "Viewers watch particular shows to see their favourite characters, and not actors."
Second identity is a challenge
According to actor Rajshri Thakur, alias Saloni of Saat Phere, it is a challenge for an actor to carve a niche with his/her screen name. "It is a tough task to be accepted and appreciated with one's screen name," says Rajshri, who takes pride in being referred as Saloni. "I made my debut with that character . People might just be appreciating Saloni. But it means success to me, because there can't be a character without an actor ," says Thakur. But Singh differs, "An actor proves his mettle by essaying numerous roles at a time. He shouldn't be constrained by just one character. Post-Jassi , I'm still waiting for a challenging role." Ronit Roy, who has been accepted as Mihir, Mr Bajaj and now Aparajit, seconds the opinion. "Only one character's success will not mean success to me. I believe my job is to play all my characters with perfection ," he says.
Powerful character, instant fame
Strong characters catapult an actor to fame, feels actor Gaurav Khanna, who's better known as Sharman of tele-show Kum Kum. "A strong character is a golden opportunity for an actor to gain mileage. If people call me Sharman, I attribute my success to the production house that offered me such an interesting role," says Gaurav. Prachi Desai, alias Bani of Kasam Se reflects a similar opinion, "I owe my success as an actor to the character of Bani that has provided me an identity. When a character gets popular, the expectations from an actor increase, but it is not necessary that every character will gain tremendous response The challenge for an actor is to make an ordinary character extraordinary ."
hyderabadtimes@indiatimes.com
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