Given the amount of hardwork we put in, the response we got was underrated: Megha Ray on Sapnon Ki Chhalaang

Megha Ray garnered a lot of love for her performance in Sony TV's 'Sapnon Ki Chhalaang.' The actress' performance in the show was critically acclaimed, and she was showered a lot of love for the same. In an exclusive chat with India Forums, the actress spoke about how the TRP system has affected the quality of work, received recognition from the show, and revealed being disheartened by the show going off air.

Is there a void you're trying to cope with since the show went off-air? 

It's been unusual. I learned it well at least two or three weeks before it happened. Usually, you get to know the same week, so it's too much to process. But this time, I was somewhere mentally prepared. I don't think I'm done with the show because it was a fantastic show, and somewhere I feel it's not fair for a show like Sapnon Ki Chhalang to wind up that early. I think it's a project that every actor who's serious about acting wants to be a part of at some point. You always want your work to be meaningful. I always thought that I was really representing the young girls of our country, and I have to do justice to that. I really wish this lasted longer, but I'm immensely proud and grateful that I got to be a part of such a brilliant story. I miss going on set and being Radhika the most because she was genuine. I did not have to try to be Radhika and act as such. I will miss that and hope to do something like this soon. 

Did you get the recognition you deserved with Chhalang, or do you think that recognition comes with commercial shows?

One week after my show wrapped up, I didn't jump onto my next project. I've been getting calls, and I've just taken time to think. This is the one show I can never forget and feel very proud of. I have done other works which I am equally proud of. These shows include Apna Time Bhi Aayega and Rang Jau Tere Rang Mein. I can even ask my friends to watch this show, you know how it is with friends, they laugh otherwise. But with Chhalaang, I do not have this apprehension. Being a part of a show like this is a big deal. Everyone I knew would rave about this show. But the numbers again, I was surprised. I did not expect the numbers that we got. I was really expecting better numbers. When we are willing to do something different and nice, people are not watching it and complain about not getting good content. No one has the right to judge actors or creators for making the content they are making because they are making it for the audience. And if you talk about fame and recognition, I do not think so much on those terms. The kind of offers I have let go of recently, my close friends told me, 'Are you mad?' I want to focus on becoming a better actor than getting fame. However, given the amount of work we have put into this project, the response we got is underrated, and it's still somewhere not what I had imagined or expected.

I did not expect the numbers that we got. I was really expecting better numbers. When we are willing to do something different and nice, people are not watching it and complain about not getting good content. No one has the right to judge actors or creators for making the content they are making because they are making it for the audience.

- Megha Ray

Is it disheartening to you as an actor that everything somehow boils down to TRPs?

 Absolutely. Balance is critical to everything. I was thrilled they put forward a project like Sapnon Ki Chhalaang, which stood out. But they didn't let it run for long, confusing me. It is discouraging, but I guess it's a process we'll all figure out eventually. I wish that. Finally, it's going to be a two-way street.

Are you still waiting for that one project that will be a breakthrough in your career?

Certainly, I have yet to get that kind of reach. I am desperate for people to see the excellent work that I've done because it's for the people. I want more people to see my work and characters, and if I have good stories to tell, I want more people to see them. So yes, I am looking for that one opportunity.