A character should exit when it is at its peak, instead of withering away : Amrita Prakash

Amrita Prakash has literally grown up on Indian television. The actress started her career at the age of four and has balanced TV and films since then. Currently seen on 'Shakti — Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki', as Harman’s (Vivian Dsena) childhood friend, Amrita is all set to bid adieu to the show.

She says, “Even though it was a cameo, I agreed to join the show midway, because it was a crucial character. I was signed up for two months, but the track worked and it was extended. However, I feel that it’s time to leave the show, because a character should exit when it is at its peak, instead of withering away after its relevance to the story is over. That’s depressing for any artiste. I have never restricted myself as a TV or film actor. I think such factors limit an artiste. I am an actor and I want to be a storyteller, I don’t want to be anything more or less than that. As long as my character takes the story forward, I will tell it with al

Over the years, Amrita has mostly been seen as the heroine’s sister, but the actress says that she has never felt typecast. “My perspective is different from actors who entered the industry in their early 20s — most of them want to play lead characters. I have grown up in the industry and have immense love for my craft. Though I have played leads, I don’t care about that tag. Also, I have never felt typecast, because I have always chosen relevant roles. My love for acting is too strong for me to seek only a certain type of role. That mindset belongs to those who only seek fame and money. I’m in acting for the long haul and I’m not looking for short bursts of fame and riches.”

While many child artistes have taken a break in their careers to be launched as heroes and heroines, Amrita has been working continuously. Point this out and she says, “I did take breaks; life happened to me between movies and shows. One cannot go on for 20-plus years in a profession without taking breaks. I was off work for over a year to complete my post graduation.”

The actress also feels that over the years, the condition of child artistes has improved in the industry. “I think the kids today are being looked after well by the producers and artistes’ unions. Now, there are rules regarding timings, work conditions, school hours, rest time, etc. We had none of that; I was expected to deliver as much as my adult co-actors. I remember instances of my parents pleading for time off whenever I was unwell, but in vain. I have had to shoot even with typhoid. However, the tough training has helped me develop a stronger work ethic, and I am proud of that. I can see that new-age actors are severely lacking it. Also, most of the child actors I worked with, back then, have lost their way. While some lost interest in the craft, others couldn’t handle the fame.”

On a parting note, we ask Amrita about her recent photo shoot, which shows her in a bold avatar. Is that an attempt to break away from the image of a traditional girl? “It’s just a grown-up version of me and who I am now. I don’t mean to claim that I am ‘Hot’, but I am certainly not a child anymore. I’m a lot more comfortable and confident in my skin. Also, I am bolder and stronger. So, maybe, you can call it a coming of age photo shoot.”