My work should speak for me

Actress Roop Durgapal is all set to step into the shoes of actress Nivedita Tiwari, as Supriya in ‘Gangaa’. The actress from Almora, Uttarakhand, talks about her new role and stint in Indian television.

How supportive were your parents in initial stages?
Well initially, they were shocked and they never thought that I would become an actress. I am from a conservative family. My father told me, you can do well in your campus interviews and pay for portfolios but don’t depend on me. I got a job in my third year and started working at Infosys, Hyderabad and simultaneously prepared my portfolio. After working in many advertisements and a few roles, I bagged the role of Sakshi in Colors ‘Balika-Vadhu’.

Your entry in ‘Swaragini’ created havoc in the lives of lead roles, so how does it feel to create so much negativity?
Due to TRP rates my characterisation changed and I created many grudges and hurdles in Maheshwari family, but I didn’t know that I would kill people too as it was not narrated to me earlier.

Why did you choose such a complex role?
I think if it’s a simple, people won’t be excited towards that role. As an actor, I feel complex roles are better, where you can play different variations. I was told that Kavya’s character is of a singer and actress, who is negative and tries to turn Lakshya against his family. But later it turned to be hardcore negative role, and I understand that. But yes, it lost its essence in the process.

Do you want to shed your negative image?
An actor should be versatile. Regardless of which show he/she is doing. I started my career with grey shades and then in another one I play a maniac i.e. Kavya. People started cherishing my acting skills, which is when I took up positive roles, which actually started with Sony TV’s ‘Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi’. I don’t care about the length of the role. I care only about what essence it is adding to the show.

Don’t you feel that by picking up positive cameos, you may lose chances of being a lead actress?
No. I don’t think so. In ‘Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi’ the production house told me that if I want I can accept the role or else reject it. At the same time, they said, my character Natasha will be the one, which will make Dev and Sonakshi to realise love between them, which actually happened too. So, when you can make the show run with your efforts for a few months and people remember you for that role, then obviously, you can enjoy that character. For me if I get a positive role even for one episode and if it would add its own nitty-gritty to the show, then yes I am ready.

There have been many speculations about your marriage, what are your comments?
Marriage is not a big thing. Everyone goes through this. Just because I am a celebrity it is the talk of the town. Earlier, due to few commitments, I couldn’t share that I am married. What is the big deal in it? My work should speak about Roop Durgapal. Not my personal life.

Tell us about “Supriya” in ‘Gangaa’?
As you all know that Supriya was played by some other actress earlier. But when the role started to shine, the makers thought to bring in another actress. It is a positive role. When they approached me I said okay because I liked the role - Supriya always supported Gangaa and she has been a backbone for her. But now she has immersed herself in few disturbances from which she wants to come out.

You are stepping into new shoes; do you feel more responsible towards the character?
Yes for the first time, I am stepping into a role, which was done by another actress initially. But coming towards responsibility I think every role have its own haves and have-nots, which everyone should carry on their shoulders. Supriya’s character is not an exception from it. But yes, as the audience may wonder what way I will add my own gist to it.