'There's no fear of being typecast; the fun lies in the diverse experiences,' Ekta Tiwari talks about her new show Gudiya Rani

Actress Ekta Tiwari, known for shows like ‘Tere Mere Sapne’ and ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’, is back with Gudiya Rani on Dangal TV. Sharing more about her show and her character, called ‘Flower,’ 

Ekta says, “We've already started shooting and just completed the promo shoot in Mumbai. I have received feedback that the promo looks promising. We're filming in various locations like Film City, Malwani, Madh, and Naigaon, and enjoying it thoroughly because the team, including the production, creative, direction teams, and co-actors, is very supportive and fun-loving. It feels like a family. I have received a lot of messages and people are eagerly waiting for the show.” Ekta is playing the role of an antagonist in the show and shares how different this role is from the rest of the characters she has played. “Playing positive or negative characters on any platform or project is a responsibility, and I feel an actor can easily switch between them. However, playing a lead protagonist comes with limitations. Such characters are always portrayed as responsible, ethical, and thoughtful. I feel from a writer's, director's, and actor's point of view, there are many limitations to a positive character. On the other hand, negative characters, even if they are not violent, allow an actor to explore unique and bizarre traits, which can be creatively satisfying. These characters provide an artist with opportunities to explore new things and look beautiful on screen. For the first time, I am playing a negative character in Gudiya Rani. It’s a colorful character. It's not just about enjoying playing negative roles over positive ones; it’s more about how each role has its own challenges and attractions. Negative characters often require intense and sharp performances. I would like to give an example of our legendary actors like Om Puri and Paresh Rawal, who have brilliantly blended comedy with negative traits. I have always loved their craft.” But isn’t Ekta scared of being typecast? On this, Ekta says, “There's no fear of being typecast; the fun lies in the diverse experiences. Yes, there is a practice in our industry of typecasting all the artists, which should be broken. No matter how many negative characters I play, I don't think I would be typecast. There is an emotional journey of my character which results in her actions and reactions in the show.” 

Ekta also adds, “The writer, Bhavna Vyas of Gudiya Rani, is well-known in the TV industry, and her narration and screenplay are fantastic. The way she wrote the dialogues is one key difference. Our director, Sooraj Rao, has a unique vision and way of choreographing scenes, which also adds to the show's uniqueness. Another significant difference is the chemistry among the characters, especially between the kids in the show. This adds a special flavor. The background and cultural setting, being MP-based and Shukla family-oriented, bring a rich portrayal of the local customs and traditions. Although the general TV industry often feels repetitive, with similar types of stories, the freshness in presentation and the effort of the team make this project special. Every medium—TV, cinema, OTT, etc.—has its unique audience, and while there are similarities in content, it's the presentation that often sets it apart. In our industry, projects go through ups and downs, and retaining or losing charm is part of the cycle. But the effort to present something new and the team's positive energy are evident in this show.” Ekta has been working in the industry for the last 15 years. She also shares that she started her career as a child artist. She says, “My acting journey began much earlier, from childhood, involving different roles and experiences, including a stint in dramatics and acting training. I even attended the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) but didn't complete the course, so my journey has been varied and ongoing since then. In terms of preparing for roles, the process is pretty straightforward. Initially, you understand the script, the writer's content, and the specific characteristics of the role. This involves listening to verbal narrations from the writer or director to fully understand the character's nuances. After that, you do your own research and incorporate your understanding in a way that aligns with the writer's vision and the director's expectations, ensuring a balanced portrayal.” 

Ekta, who has seen many ups and downs in her career, believes in one mantra: be yourself. She says, “A mantra for my entire life and career is simple: be yourself. Don't be fake; if you want to win hearts genuinely, then in personal life and while playing a character, stay true to yourself. If you remain genuine and avoid fakeness, everything will connect with the audience on a deeper level. Always be yourself and learn; continuously learn from every moment, situation, and person. I believe learning is a never-ending process, so always seek knowledge and remain genuine, whether in personal or professional life.”