The immensely popular TV show “Anupamaa” has not only captured the hearts of viewers but also sparked intense reactions, especially concerning the characters and their narratives. Apara Mehta, who portrays Malti Devi in the show, recently shared her experiences with the evolving audience response, shedding light on the challenges actors face when portraying negative characters. In a candid conversation with TellyChakkar, Apara Mehta expressed her concerns about the blurred lines between reel and real life, highlighting the impact of negative character portrayals on actors’ personal lives.
Malti Devi’s Character Journey: Apara Mehta entered “Anupamaa” as Guru Maa, a character deeply connected to Anuj Kapadia, played by Gaurav Khanna. However, the storyline took an unexpected turn when Malti Devi, after reuniting with her son Anuj, turned against the central character, Anupamaa. This transformation marked a significant shift in the audience’s perception of Apara Mehta’s character.
Audience’s Love for Drama and Ambivalence Towards Negative Characters: Apara Mehta acknowledged the audience’s love for drama but highlighted the ambivalence toward negative characters. While viewers thoroughly enjoy the twists and turns in the storyline, they often find it challenging to separate the actor from the character. The actress expressed her confusion about the audience taking the drama in the serial so seriously and emphasized the need for viewers to understand the distinction between fictional portrayals and reality.
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Challenges Faced on Social Media: Apara Mehta, who initially wasn’t on social media, decided to join platforms like Instagram after becoming a part of “Anupamaa.” Initially, she received immense love from fans, but the dynamics shifted as Malti Devi’s character took a negative turn. The actress faced hateful trolling and personal attacks, raising concerns about the impact of on-screen characterizations on an actor’s well-being. Apara Mehta stressed the importance of the audience realizing that actors are portraying fictional roles and should not be judged based on their characters.
Blurred Lines Between Reel and Real: The actress expressed her dismay over the lack of understanding regarding the boundaries between reel and real life. Apara Mehta urged viewers to comprehend that daily soaps serve as a medium of entertainment, and the characters portrayed are fictional. She emphasized that negative reactions to characters like Malti Devi should not be directed at the actor personally.
Continued Success of “Anupamaa”: Despite the challenges faced by actors due to audience perceptions, “Anupamaa” continues to be a ratings juggernaut and a fan-favorite. The show’s ability to evoke strong emotions and keep viewers engaged underscores the success of its narrative and the performances of the cast, including Apara Mehta.
Apara Mehta’s revelations about the challenges faced by actors in dealing with audience reactions shed light on the complex relationship between viewers and characters in the world of television dramas. The blurred lines between reel and real life, coupled with the emotional investment of audiences, create a unique dynamic that actors navigate. As “Anupamaa” continues to unfold its narrative, Apara Mehta’s experiences underscore the need for viewers to appreciate the artistry behind character portrayals and separate the actor from the roles they play on screen.
