As Meghna Malik reprises the iconic role in 'Naa Aana Is Des Laado 2', she talks about what makes the second season different, and how the popularity of Ammaji rendered her jobless for a year
Wearing the signature white saree with long-sleeved blouses and carrying a stick in her hand, she terrorised the town with her power. But that was then. Five years later, the new Ammaji has swapped her sombre-hued outfits for colourful ones. And her patriarchal ideas for progressive ones. As Meghna Malik reprises the iconic role in Laado: Veerpur Ki Mardaani, she talks about what makes the second season different, and how the popularity of Ammaji rendered her jobless for a year.
Meghna Malik
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How does it feel to return to the show?
My character's mindset is different now, although the body language remains the same. The treatment and set-up are different; it's like working on a new project.
The first season tackled female infanticide. What will the next one be about?
The attempt is to showcase progressive content. Ammaji has become a crusader of women's rights, she motivates them to achieve their goals. She was always a strong woman, but now she's channelling her strength in the right direction.
Is it detrimental when a character becomes so iconic that the audience can't see you beyond that?
I don't think the audience brackets you into roles; it's the industry that does it. But, I have been lucky because my on-screen and off-screen personalities are polar opposites. That convinces people to approach me for other roles. For instance, in Dahleez, I played a lawyer.
Post Ammaji, were you offered similar roles?
The offers were endless, and I didn't accept any of them [laughs]. I was forced to sit at home and wait for one year.
What kept you busy during your year-long break?
I travelled a lot and watched movies. But, you can't stay away from the industry for long, or you will be forgotten. You live with that insecurity. When you wake up one day and realise you don't have a job, it hits you. I didn't let myself reach there.
How did you react when other characters began to emulate Ammaji?
It's not the actors who are trying to channel me when they play a character similar to Ammaji, it's the makers. I'm glad that the character became popular enough for people to replicate it. Kids even dressed up as Ammaji for fancy dress competitions [laughs]. I don't think any other female character has achieved this iconic a status.
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