Jayati Bhatia talks about staying in headspace of her extremely negative role for 12-14 hours a day
Mumbai, July 13
Actress Jayati Bhatia has opened up about the challenges of portraying the manipulative and negative Sharda, aka Shalini Batra, in her TV show, 'Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile'.
The actress stated that remaining in the character's dark mindset for long hours every day has tested her as a performer.
Speaking about playing the negative character for over one-and-a-half years, Jayati said, "Playing Sharda, aka Shalini Batra, for over one and a half years has been one of the most challenging yet fulfilling journeys of my career. With every twist in the story, Sharda's negativity has only grown, and staying in that headspace for 12-14 hours a day pushes me as an actor."
The actress further added that she consciously separates herself from the character once shooting ends.
"But the moment I pack up, I make it a point to leave Sharda on the sets and become Jayati again. My co-stars have always understood that Sharda is just a character, so off-screen we're constantly laughing and enjoying each other's company," she said.
Jayati also shared that criticism directed at her on-screen character is something she takes it as a validation as an actor.
"As for the audience, when they get angry with Sharda or criticize her actions, I take it as a compliment because it means they've completely accepted me in the role. I never take those reactions personally. Instead, they motivate me to portray Sharda with even more conviction and honesty. For me, that's the biggest reward of playing a powerful negative character," she added.
The current track of 'Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile' sees Sharda once again emerging as the mastermind behind Raghav and Reet's heartbreak after secretly kidnapping their newborn.
For the uninitiated, Jayati Bhatia has been a familiar face on Indian television for over three decades. She is best known for her performances in popular shows such as 'Sasural Simar Ka', 'Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki', 'Kasautii Zindagii Kay', 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi', and 'Jhansi Ki Rani'.
Besides television, she has also appeared in films including 'Devdas', 'Koi... Mil Gaya', and 'Fiza'. She currently essays the role of Sharda, also known as Shalini Batra, in Zee TV's 'Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile'.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I actually feel bad for the actress when fans attack her character online. People forget it's just a role! But at least she takes it as a compliment - that's true professionalism. Indian TV serials really test actors with these extreme negative characters. Kabhi kabhi lagta hai ki writers purposely make them more toxic just for TRP. 😅
I appreciate her dedication, but honestly, these daily soaps with their endless negativity are exhausting for viewers too. It's 2024 and we're still watching the same formula - kidnapping, betrayal, heartbreak. Kudos to Jayati for her craft, but I wish Indian television would give actors better material to work with. She deserves a role that showcases her range, not just a one-dimensional villain.
This is fascinating from an acting perspective. Method acting in Indian TV serials is rare, but staying in character for 12-14 hours daily is intense. I've seen similar approaches in Hollywood, but the sheer volume of content Indian TV actors produce is incredible. She's been in the industry for 30+ years and still brings that passion - that's what makes her a true artist.
I've been watching 'Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile' since it started, and Sharda is genuinely scary! 😱 Jayati Bhatia has completely transformed herself - I still remember her as the sweet Simar in 'Sasural Simar Ka'. It's amazing how actors can switch between such different roles. And the way she laughed off the character on set shows what a grounded person she is. More power to her! 🌟
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