Small screen actresses like Juhi Parmar, Shweta Tiwari, Mona Singh and Roshni Chopra have moved to reality shows, revealing new aspects of their personality. They tell Divya Kaushik the format helps to break cliche images. And gets them diverse roles
For nearly seven years, Shweta Tiwari played the ideal small-screen daughter and perfect mom. The most important demand made of her, was to wail and maintain the pallu of her sparkling sari.
But Tiwari soon realised, that she was moving from her real self. She did not want people to constantly expect her to act and behave ten-years-older than she was. Then reality shows allowed her a new option.
Her latkas and jhatkas in a Bhojpuri dance reality show (as a judge), introduced her in a new light.
Then more reality shows and Bigg Boss 4 presented yet another image of her.
Today, Tiwari is known as a multifaceted actor. Her stint with reality TV helped maintain a foothold in the industry. She beamed, "Today, I am loaded with offers and scripts of a diverse range. My fans know that I can fit different characters. They also know my talent as an individual."
Tiwari is just one amongst many female actors on television today, who believe that reality shows gives them an opportunity to maintain a connect with the audience.
Mona Singh, Juhi Parmar, Roshni Chopra, Shweta Tiwari, or even Prachi Desai. We have many examples to prove that female leads on the small screen, are moving from the tested path. And they are working hard to change their typecast image.
The audience is more than glad to receive their shifting avatars.
Juhi Parmar's win in Bigg Boss season 5 is one example. The actor was loved for taking a stand. She said, "My fans helped prove to directors, that I suit a role." The actor claimed that she was offered parts in a daily soap after Kumkum. But she gained weight due to medical reasons. This was an issue with some directors. "But," she continued, "I knew I had talent to continue. And it was time to break the image that was created by my screen character."
She remarked, "I was sure the real Juhi would be more interesting for the audience than Kumkum. I was right. Reality shows like Bigg Boss, gave me confidence and opened doors for lucrative offers."
Parmar said, "TV is going through a phase, when elder actors get roles. This works in my favour." She is also looking forward to produce a show of her own.
Television actors have short shelf lives. It was believed their career ended, with the last episode of a popular daily soap. Take Smriti Irani. She was expected to do the same role on TV. But that did not happen.
Sakshi Tanwar went through a similar phase and gained popularity as Parvati bhabhi in Kahanii Ghar Ghar Ki. After Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Shweta Tiwari also faced hurdles.
Tiwari said, "There was a question, 'What next, after Kasautii…? I can't live as Prerna all my life. So I chose reality shows, to do comedy, dance, sing and become a part of the larger group."
Tiwari added, "The limitation with the small screen, is you are bound by one character.
"In your real life, you are expected to be the same. Breaking this image, was the biggest challenge I faced. I am glad that I got successful. Today, I opt for a mix of daily soaps as well as reality shows."
She asserted that even daily soaps she does, like Parvarish, are not the typical saas bahu sagas that she would have chosen if she had not opted for reality shows in the course of her career.
Ratan Rajput did Swayamvar on Imagine, to break the image of Lali in Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo. More than anything else, the change was needed to give fans a picture of what real Ratan was like. "I am an ordinary girl who hopes to marry the best person. I'm not into crying all the time. And thank God that people know it," she commented, with a wide grin.
On the flip side, it helps the directors and channels to rope in popular actors on reality shows. They said that, no matter what show it is, their presence helps.
Tiwari said, "It is fascinating for the audience to watch Dolly Bindra mouthing foul words. Or to gawp at Jassi, aka Mona Singh dancing to perfection. However rude an actor is in a reality show, he/she will still get fans. Look at Sky, (Akashdeeep Saigal). More fans means more popularity."
Source: http://www.dailypioneer.com/vivacity/35327-bahus-bare-it-all.html
When Juhi Parmar emerged as the winner of "Bigg Boss 5" and stepped out of the controversial house Saturday night, it was to be greeted by a crowd, car horns, and hullabaloo, but she sighed with relief. Post her victory and a cash prize of Rs.1 crore, she has no immediate plans to start a family, but she hopes to get good work in the TV industry. It was a fantastic experience!!!" an excited Juhi, who pipped actress Mahek Chahal and Siddharth Bhardwaj, told IANS.
"The first sight was of lots of human beings, and what a relief it was! I heard the horn of the car, and felt so nice for the first time, and more than the people who waved at me, I was waving at them!
Juhi Parmar at Comedy Circus screening in marimba on 1st April 2011
"My family was there, my husband (Sachin Shroff), my mother and my mother-in-law… I was quite numb, but they are all so proud of me. And I am proud of myself that I could win this show in a dignified way," she added.
The 31-year-old, who became the second female to win "Bigg Boss", after actress Shweta Tiwari emerged victorious in the last season, says she would love to add a member to her family. But not anytime soon.
"I think I will start thinking about planning my family after sometime, not so quickly. One important reason for this is that I know for a fact that after 'Bigg Boss', I can look forward to some great work in the industry.
"I want to enjoy working to the fullest and concentrate on that before anything else, so that when the baby comes, I am able to give my full time to motherhood too," she added.
Juhi, who became a popular name after "Kumkum", and featured in reality shows like "Nach Baliye 3?, "Saas Vs Bahu", "Pati Patni Aur Woh" and "Maa Exchange", hopes to get a mixed bag of work.
"I have always loved both – fiction as well as reality shows. Fiction has been my love forever, but I think reality shows keep the excitement ticking always… But yes, it's been a long time since I have done a fiction show, so I am looking forward to one or two!" said the actress, who feels she has lost weight and is back into shape post "Bigg Boss 5?.
The show has caused other alterations in the actress too.
"I can feel a lot of positive changes in myself thanks to the show. It has taught me how to forgive, get over things and how to let go. It has made me value a lot – my family, my work, my surroundings… all of that from which I was kept away in the show," said Juhi, whose patient demeanour made her stand out among the contestants.
"Bigg Boss 5? began with 13 contestants Oct 5. As per the show's format, the participants were made to stay in a secluded house, sans any communication with the outside world.
People plot and plan to win the show, but Juhi suggests no strategy is the best strategy for a show like this.
"If you think of a strategy and go for a show like this, you will end up being happy only for a few days. After that, all strategies will fizzle out. You have to be natural with your emotions, have your moments of anger, moments of love and moments of fights…and go with the flow.
"What's important is to not keep grudges, not to keep anything in the heart. That will make you a winner in the hearts of people, even if not on the show," she added.http://hamaraphotos.com/bollywood/television/no-kid-for-now-keen-for-good-work-juhi-parmar.html
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