‘The character chooses you’, says Ananya Khare

What made you say yes to this show?

It feels great to be a part of a show like Lakshmi Ghar Aayi, which aims to raise awareness against dowry. The show is so beautifully written and scripted that I just couldn’t say no! I have been reading many scripts, but this one caught my eye.

You will again be playing an antagonist in Lakshmi Ghar Aayi. Is it a conscious decision to pick such roles?

It is believed that one of the toughest things to play in TV shows is the role of an antagonist. Many professional actors and actresses sometimes have a hard time portraying negative characters on screen. However, I feel each negative character can be played with a difference and I am happy to be appreciated for my efforts. I am excited to take up this challenge once again.

Don’t you feel that you will get typecast?

Well, they say you don’t choose a character, the character chooses you. Over the years as a certain artiste plays a specific role, he or she does get typecast.

Tell us more about your character in the show…

My character, Jwala Devi, is that of a crude woman. She is obsessed with money and worships Goddess Laxmi with the hope that she will shower money on her. Jwala is a complicated character with ambitions, which she is sure her son will fulfil.

How is your experience of working with your co-actors?

The entire cast and crew of the show is very supportive. These are initial days, but the team seems to be promising.

For more than 25 years, you have been a part of the industry. Which ones have been your most memorable performances?

I am very thankful for the roles that I have got. However, my role in the films Devdas and Chandni Bar are very dear to me. Also, my work with legends like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee, Asha Parekh ji, Ashok Kumarji, Jaya Bachchanji, Om Puriji, Mahesh Bhatt, and so many others, are precious memories.

How does it feel shooting in the new normal?

Returning to work in the new normal has been very different. We are in such a situation that we have to make sure that we are safe, so that other people around us stay safe too.

Any message for fans?

All I will say is watch the show.