Once upon a time, Aamna Sharif, who rose to fame on the small screen by becoming a Kashish in shows like 'Kahin To Hoga', worked in many serials like 'Kasauti', 'Kumkum', 'Kavianjali', 'Karam Apna Apna', but Later on, he took a break from acting. Aamna, who is seen in films like 'Aloo Chaat', 'Ek Villain', is in discussion these days with her new series 'Damaged 3'. In this special meeting, she reveals her web series, career, break, failure, disappointment, marriage, motherhood, proud and inferiority complex.
You have been very picky about characters in your career, so why did you agree to work in 'Damaged 3'?
I have become a cop in this and I have not played the role of a cop till date. This is not an idealistic cop who saves lives. This is a corrupt cop. Its shades are grey. Till a few years ago, we could not even imagine the female lead in such a gray and corrupt form. I am glad that in the changing nature of OTT we actresses are getting opportunities to play different characters, so when I heard the story of Damaged Season 3, I thought this time the characters will also be damaged like last time. . This character is the exact opposite of me. I am very feminine, my tone is soft, I dress in the same way. But my character Rashmi is completely different. I thought this role would help me out of my comfort zone. I had done gray characters in films like Ek Villain and Kasautii, but Rashmi's character was quite challenging in comparison. I had to prepare a lot for this role. It was not an easy role for me.
For some time now, we have been seeing that the web series has actresses like Lara Dutta, Sushmita Sen, Shefali Shah, Kirti Kulhari and now Aap in lead roles in Hero Ke. What do you think is the reason for this change?
I am very happy that the audience has finally shown the belief that actresses like us can carry the load of the series on their shoulders. Me and Shrenu Parikh are the main characters in this series, who are not fighting for any hero but fighting for their ambition. The reason we actresses are being appreciated is because of the increased understanding and acceptance of the content among the audience. They know what a good show is. They are able to relate themselves to these shows somewhere. The kind of characters we have in our series, they happen in real life.
At the beginning of your career, your show 'Kahin To Hoga' became so popular that people started naming their daughters after your character Kashish. But you didn't take advantage of that fame and took the gap from your career?
Somewhere after Hoga, I sat at home because I was getting similar roles and I didn't want to repeat the same roles. I agree it takes a lot of courage to refuse roles when you are showered with roles. But I was waiting for the right role. I did the roles which I found strong. Again I took a break after Kasauti because I got married and wanted to enjoy that phase of my life. If I look back today, I have no regrets about my decisions in my career. I don't want to change anything in the past. That's my journey.
You worked in films like Aloo Chaat, Shakal Pe Mat Jaa, Ek Villain, where your work was appreciated, but then your career in Bollywood did not progress that way?
When I was doing films, there was no one to guide me on how to progress in my career. I am from non-film background, so no one was there to tell me what kind of roles should I choose? It was a shortcoming that no one could show me the right path. After Ek Villain, I got offers for many films, but by then I had become a mother and I consciously decided that I should take a break and I took that break. To be honest, the journey of acting has not been easy for me. Many people told me that your career is over. You are not going to get work because you are married and also the mother of a child. Somewhere these things hurt my confidence, but then I felt that I could not give up like this. I have to prove myself, anew. How can you label an actress by her marriage or being a mother? You should test him on the strength of his talent.
As a woman, what bothers you the most about women?
The issues are countless, but when women are told that they can't, they can't, then there is a lot of inferiority. Women are judged at every step that why are they coming late? Why is he wearing this? If a man returns from work late, he is said to have worked very hard, while a woman is looked upon with suspicion. It is important that women should not be judged, they should be allowed to pursue their dreams and they should be respected. Apart from this, how far is it justified to pressurize girls to marry after reaching a certain age? A girl should marry when she is ready to settle down, mentally and physically. After marriage, she is again expected to become a mother. I feel, girls should be given freedom from these notions and shackles.
When have you felt most proud?
I come from a Muslim family, so it was not easy for me to enter the acting field. But my mom supported me completely. She fought a lot of people for my career and when I got my first pay check, I went and gave it to my mom and I felt very proud at that time.
How has your marriage to Amit Kapoor (Producer) perfected you?
I think friendship is very important in marriage and it is very deep between us. Understanding and respect for each other is also important. These elements make marriage strong.
what kind of mother are you
I behave friendly with my son Aryan. But I can definitely say that as a mother, you get all the experiences from your child, which you have never felt. Your journey as a mother is the most beautiful and I am enjoying that journey.
You are very active on social media. How do you handle trolls?
Well, I am a very private person. I am only on Instagram and that too a few years back. I think social media has become a very important medium today. For us artists, it is our profile in a way. Today people check your account by visiting your social media before giving work. But I give importance to my social media to an extent. I post my work and activities, that's all. As far as trolls are concerned, I don't give them any value. Although I have been a victim of trolls many times, I do not allow myself to be influenced by them.
