'No 'behenji' roles for me please!'

Namrata Thapa did many modelling and fashion shows in Delhi. But Mumbai was the dream station for this Delhi University graduate, where she acted in quite a few hit serials like Kya Hadsa Kya Haqiqat, Vaidehi, CID, Ravan, Nagin and Mahim Shani Dev Ki. Namrata’s creative journey then took her to Oriya and Bengali films.

Her Oriya film I Love You was a smash hit, and made her the most popular actress in that part of the world. Her Bengali films Golmal and Ghar Jamai were hits in  Bengal. Now, Namrata is part of Rajashree Production’s television serial Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli airing on Zee TV, which revolves around a rich family. Namrata is playing the character of Swarn Lata, a traditional woman who regrets about her low education but supports her sister and brother.

With Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli, Namrata has had an absolute turnover of the role from mythology to family drama. “I can live without food but I cannot live without acting. By moving from mythology to drama, I am just expanding my acting horizon. Till now, I have played sari clad behenji-type roles.”

“Now I am more interested in playing lead roles with modern outfits like shirt pants, salwar kameez and jeans. The standard of actresses in Hindi films is going down.” “Actresses are used as show pieces and not given chance to show their talent. If the role is good, I would do it happily, otherwise, I am better off with serials where I am being offered lead role. I have decided now to do only lead roles or I would like to work for any banner if the role is good and is made for a good channel.”