You can find a Dadisa in every household but not Ammaji – Meghna Malik
Television is of the woman, by the woman, for the woman. Just put it plainly that women rule television. Presently, we have a new ruler in Tellywood. She's one who wears lehengas and rides horses, wields a lathi and is feared by all in her bastion. Well, that's Ammaji for you. And, the woman who plays this ferocious character is Meghna Malik.
In an exclusive interview to Tellychakkar, Malik talks on her show, female infanticide, comparison with Dadisa (Surekha Sikri) and more. Read on.
Is des main ek aurat hi aurat ki dushman kyun hai?
To conclude this on the basis of our soaps is very wrong. These are mere storylines. Female infanticide is conditioning which is centuries old. Ammaji isn't acting in isolation.
Our show isn't about women fighting women or men. It is the mindset which prefers a male child. This evil isn't restricted to rural areas but it's prevalent even in the cities too.
Has Ammaji taken over from Dadisa as the most hated woman on television?
(Laughs).I don't think I'm taking over from some other character. Every actor has to portray a character according to the demand of the script. Well, I wouldn't hesitate in saying that Ammaji is the most powerful character on television. I don't think one has ever seen an elderly lady riding horses or wielding lathis. Ammaji believes that power grows through the barrel of a gun. You can find a Dadisa in every household but not Ammaji. She is a larger than life character. Men tremble in front of her. Though she doesn't wear pants, Ammaji walks like a man.
What's been the response from your family and friends?
You're always well received by your family and friends but I've had fans hugging me. As an actor that is what you cherish the most.
Apparently, it's the kids or the saas who are in demand. Are bahus out of favour?
Now, that's something only TV researchers can answer. It's not any saas or bahu but every show has a life. True, trends do keep changing but any story that touches your heart is here to stay.
Female infanticide is a bold subject but it's never an easy decision to play the child killer. Were there any apprehensions before you took this role?
No. I'm not the first woman on TV who's committed a murder. What matters to me is the strength of the story and the strength of my character.
Is this the most defining role of your career?
No. For me acting is acting. Throughout my career, I've done various roles be it comedy in Mohalla mohhabbat wala, the page 3 lady of Har ghar kuch kehta hai or the fashion designer in Radhaa ki betiyann kuch kar dikhayengi who goes through a troubled marriage life. Perhaps, this is the first time where I'm playing a rustic character. As I said earlier, Ammaji is almost like a man.
The show was to focus on woman foeticide. But thus far we've only seen one such case. Presently, it's merely a tussle between Ammaji and Siya (Natasha). Hasn't it lost its essence?
Our show isn't dealing with just one problem but we also want to highlight other injustices too. We're also bringing out instances of domestic violence. Our objective isn't one but to present all these things. Besides, in a daily you can't stretch one particular track.
How ironical is it that a show which deals in female foeticide has a woman as the most powerful character?
Well, I don't look at it as a paradox. As I said earlier, this woman (Ammaji) is a victim of such mindset. Besides, she herself is a victim too. There are reasons why she is behaving in such a manner. Those will be revealed as the story progresses. Apart from being the head of the family, Ammaji is also a political figure one who has complete control over her village. Power always pollutes whatever comes in its way.
Critics feel that at a time when India is growing into a superpower such shows present a dual image of the country. Comment.
Well, it's great that we are turning into a superpower. But what I'd like to point out to the critics is according to statistics; the sex ratio in Haryana is 861 women to every 1000 men. I'd like to ask them isn't this a concern? Is this way of looking at our society?
Our emphasis is not to promote female infanticide but to create awareness of this social evil. Unless, we do this how will things change? The feedback that I've received from people has been very positive. I've come across Haryanvi people who have commended us for coming up with such a show. Some of them even feel guilty. It's a positive sign that women are talking openly about this social evil.
It's buzzed that there's a Haryanvi tutor on the sets. Is it true?
Yes, we did have one earlier. There are people who help but as a north Indian and Jaat, I've grown up among Haryanvi people. So, it comes naturally to me. Besides, viewers are loving the language. We haven't had shows on Haryanvis in a long time.
What's happening on the Bollywood front?
There are few projects which are at the script level. Thus it will not be appropriate to talk about them now. I had taken them before Laado. Unfortunately, right now I'm tied up with Laado so it will take time before I get going with these projects. As an actor, it's always good to be greedy.
Can you tell a bit about your personal life?
I like to keep my personal life out of public domain
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