After playing Anjali Singh Rawat in Ashutosh Gowarikar's Everest, Shamata Anchan is now essaying the role of Myra Kohli in Zee TV's Bin Kuch Kahe. She tells Shalini Saksena why she chose this serial
Usually, models turn to films. How did TV happenIJ
It is not something unheard of. A lot of models turn to TV. Many of the shows on TV are now being made by filmmakers. Also, I don’t think, there is much of a difference in platforms available today. I got Everest after Ashutosh Gowarikar saw the ad I had done for Garnier Hair. TV is a woman-dominated industry. The character one gets to play is strong and the story revolves around her. TV has taught me a lot. I don’t think I would have learnt so much even if I had done 10 films.
Why did you choose Bin Kuch...IJ
When I did Everest, I did a lot of things that most women don’t get to do. I did my own stunts. I did rock climbing, there was a lot of drama and, therefore, it was physically demanding. Bin Kuch... is a different genre. It is a light show with comedy and romance. The relationship seems so real that one can identify with it. What you will see is how most girls would be with their mother and sisters. Also, it is a finite show.
Is a finite show importantIJ
It is good to have two kinds of shows — infinite and finite. It gives viewers more choice. I took up the show because I don’t know how It would feel to be committed to a serial that will continue for years. I am not saying I would not do a daily soap. I will have to see if I am comfortable doing it when I get a chance. See Zindagi. All its shows are finite and people love that.
Do you identify with your characterIJ
I understand Myra. The relationships are real — mother-daughter interactions and interaction among sisters. In real life, my mother is a single mother. I lost my father two years back. It is easy for me to understand how a girl wants to give importance to her family.
What is your checklist for choosing a roleIJ
What is important is the character that I am playing and how significant the story is. How different it is from the roles that I have done so far. For now, I have not thought what my next step is going to be. I will go with the flow. I will take whatever comes my way.
Do you have a preference for a mediumIJ
I don’t have any such preference. In fact, I am in talks for a film. It doesn’t matter whether I do a TV show or a film. I have not done theatre so I don’t know what I will do if a play came my way. I don’t believe in following one path as an actor. I am greedy. What is important is that I do good work.
Has the entertainment industry changed since your debutIJ
Yes, a lot has changed. The viewers have more choice today. A lot of good shows are on air. Even the audience has become smart. There are web-series that have become popular. This gives actors interesting and challenging things to do.