Anupamaa actor Ekta Saraiya on her character turning negative

Ekta Saraiya, seen as Dolly in Deepa Shahi and Rajan Shahi's Anupamaa, produced under their banner Shahi Productions Pvt. Ltd., is currently portraying a grey shade on-screen in the show. She says positive and negative characters have different perks, and she enjoys playing both.

She said, “I’ve had the privilege of playing both positive and negative roles throughout my career. Each comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. While positive roles are heartwarming, playing gray or negative characters can be equally, if not more, satisfying.”

“These roles often offer more layers to explore and deepen understanding of human behavior. That being said, I love the balance of both, and each role adds something valuable to my journey as an actor,” she added.

She also pointed out that daily soaps give work stability to actors, especially if the show is loved by the audience. “Being part of a long-running show allows actors to settle into their roles and develop a deeper connection with their characters. It also fosters a sense of family on set, which makes the entire experience even more enjoyable. Having a stable project also gives us the freedom to focus on perfecting our craft without constantly worrying about the next job,” she said.

I’ve had the privilege of playing both positive and negative roles throughout my career. Each comes with its own set of challenges and rewards.

- Ekta Saraiya

She mentioned that OTT platforms have changed the way audiences consume content. “While traditional TV still holds a special place, especially with family-oriented shows like Anupamaa, OTT has given viewers the freedom to watch what they want, when they want,” she said.

“It has also led to a wider variety of content and storytelling styles, which is great for the industry. However, the emotional connection and routine of watching a daily soap on TV, especially with loved ones, is something unique that OTT hasn’t completely replaced,” she added.

Ekta concluded that she would love to see even more diverse storytelling regarding the types of characters and narratives being explored. “Representation is key, and people from all walks of life must see themselves reflected on screen. This includes stronger, more layered characters for women and stories that tackle important social issues in a sensitive yet impactful way. The more we evolve in these areas, the richer our industry will become,” she ended.