Naagin actress Puja Sharma returns to TV after seven years with Jhanak: I couldn't have asked for a better comeback
Puja Sharma
is back — and she's returning with fire in her eyes. Known for her roles in
Naagin
,
Jyoti
,
Dil Se Dil Tak
,
Mere Angne Mei
n, and
Devon Ke Dev Mahadev
, Sharma returns with a character she describes as "strong and layered," a choice made consciously after turning down offers that didn't resonate.
She will enter Jhanak, playing Kanka — a fierce, grey-shaded tribal woman from a Naxalite backdrop.
'After a sabbatical, I didn't want to take up just anything. I was waiting for the right moment,' says Sharma, pointing out how the medium tends to typecast actresses over 30. 'On television, you often get roles based on your age, and once you cross 30, you're mostly offered characters like Chachi, Bhabhi, Didi, or Devrani—which is fine, as long as the role is challenging.
When I heard the brief for this particular character, I just knew it was the one.
I couldn't have asked for a better comeback—it's a fantastic role.'
The actor admits that while she stayed visible through commercials and a yet-to-be-released film, the absence of long-format storytelling left a creative void. 'I definitely missed acting—no denying that. Although I did shoot for a movie during this time (still waiting for its release), and I also worked on several TV commercials.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
But I missed living a character for more than just a day,' she says. 'Commercials are typically one-day shoots, while on television, you get to truly live the character over time.
You get more screen presence, more time and space to perform—and that's absolutely thrilling for any actor.'
Her comeback role, she explains, offers her just that—the chance to explore a nuanced persona with depth and emotional heft. 'It's a grey character—I'm playing a strong tribal girl who is part of a Naxalite group. She's a
gundi
,' Sharma shares.
'Coincidentally, I'm from Jharkhand, and since childhood, many tribal people have worked at my home. I've closely observed their mannerisms—the way they speak, dress, carry themselves. So when I found out about this character, I was genuinely excited. It felt like something I deeply resonated with.'
The show she joins already enjoys a considerable following, but Sharma isn't weighed down by the expectations. 'Honestly, I wouldn't say I feel pressure. On the contrary, I'm excited!' she asserts. 'I think it's every actor's dream to portray a strong, meaningful character—and I'm finally getting that opportunity. I'm really happy.'
She concludes with a grounded perspective on storytelling. 'Characters are like spices in food—they bring flavor. Without flavor, any dish is bland, and similarly, every character brings something unique to a story.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
No monsoon is complete without listening to Kishore da's classics: Shriya Pilgaonkar
Shriya Pilgaonkar (Aditya Yadav) For actress Shriya Pilgaonkar , monsoon is more than just a change in weather, it's a feeling. Whether it's long drives in the rain with Kishore da's music or sipping hot coffee by the window, Shriya embraces every drop of the season. Known for her roles in Mirzapur, Guilty Minds, The Broken News and Taaza Khabar, she made her Bollywood debut alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Fan. In a candid chat with us, Shriya opened about her favourite time of the year which is monsoon. 'I love to romanticize rain' If there's one season that speaks to Shriya Pilgaonkar's soul, it's monsoon. 'I absolutely love the rain. Monsoon is my favourite weather. It brings with it a sense of calm, romance and nostalgia. I romanticize everything about the rain. Also, shoots are usually a bit lighter during monsoon, which makes it even more special. It allows me to slow down and relax, ' she says. When asked about any monsoon rituals she swears by as a rain lover, the actress reveals a few. 'Rain-watching is a full activity for me. Every time it starts to rain, I just sit by the window with a hot cup of coffee and watch it fall. It's super soothing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo And every year during monsoon, I make sure to spend at least one day getting drenched on the terrace. I absolutely love it,' she shares. Zara Zara from RHTDM and Rimjhim Gire Sawan from Manzil are some of Shriya's favourite monsoon songs 'No monsoon is complete without listening to Kishore da's classics' Fan-famed actress Shriya is fond of driving in the monsoon and listening to old classics. She often escapes to the Konkan region during the season. 'Driving in the rain, especially along the Konkan coastal belt, is one of the most peaceful feelings. There's something about being on the road during rain,' she says. Daughter to veteran actors Sachin Pilgaonkar and Supriya Pilgaonkar , Shriya also relishes spending time with her family at their farmhouse. 'I like to visit our farmhouse with my parents whenever I get the chance. I love going there during the monsoon. It's so lush, so alive during this time,' she adds. Shriya Pilgaonkar When asked about her go-to monsoon tracks, the ones she listens to while watching the rain or going for drives, she says, 'My playlist for the rainy season includes songs from the movie Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, the evergreen soundtrack of Lootera and of course Kishore da's classics. They just fit the mood so perfectly during monsoon.' 'I like all things hot and crispy in monsoon' For Shriya, monsoon is incomplete without snacking on the crispy pakoras. 'When it comes to my favourite food to enjoy in the monsoon, I like all things garam. Anything hot and crisp like pakoras, along with a cup of strong coffee, that's my idea of the perfect rainy-day treat,' she says. Shriya Pilgaonkar 'Monsoon is very nostalgic for me' Speaking of her fondest monsoon memories, Shriya recalls her college days. 'Monsoon is nostalgic for me. I remember in college, we used to be so excited to bunk lectures just to hang out in the rain. It's those small, silly memories that stay with you,' she says. While she expresses her love for the season, Shriya also acknowledges the privilege in being able to enjoy it. 'Though I tend to enjoy the monsoon a lot, I know it comes with a lot of privileges. Still, monsoon is a time that makes one pause, feel and live in the present,' she reflects. -Amina Ashraf
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Zodiac signs who secretly enjoy arguing for no reason (They call it 'debating')
You know that friend who can turn a simple 'pass the salt' into a full-blown TED Talk about sodium intake? The kind of person who'll argue about something they don't even care about, just for the thrill of proving a point? Let's meet the zodiac signs who argue for fun (and call it 'debating' so it sounds intellectual): ♏ Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) Arguing with a Scorpio is like entering an escape room with no exit. They won't shout, they'll just poke at your insecurities until you explode. Suddenly, you're defending your haircut, your career, and your childhood trauma. And they'll sit there, completely calm, whispering, 'I was just asking.' ♊ Gemini (May 21 - June 21) Geminis don't argue to win; they argue to keep things interesting. For them, a silent room is just a missed opportunity for a spirited exchange. They'll switch sides mid-argument just to see if you're paying attention. If you've ever wondered why your casual chat about pizza toppings turned into a heated debate on Italian culinary history, blame the Gemini in the room. ♈ Aries (March 21 - April 19) Aries treats every conversation like a championship match. They don't back down, even if the topic is as trivial as the 'right' way to squeeze toothpaste. For Aries, it's not just about being right—it's about being heard (loudly). They'll argue with their own reflection if no one else is around. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 잦은 무릎통증.. 수술없이 / 단 1회 주사치료 가능하다? 무릎치료 30년 - 장덕한방병원 서초본원(서울,강남) 더 알아보기 Undo ♒ Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Aquarius will debate you on topics you didn't even know existed. They'll challenge your opinions on time travel, pineapple on pizza, and whether cats secretly rule the world. For them, arguing is just another way to explore new ideas (and maybe confuse everyone else in the process). Next time one of these signs traps you in a 'debate,' don't fight it. They're not mad—they're just bored. And honestly? They're probably already plotting round two. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Subhash Ghai on 'Sitaare Zameen Par': 'Dear Aamir. You have done it again to bring dignity to Hindi cinema'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai took to social media to shower praise on Aamir Khan for his continued efforts to elevate the stature of Hindi cinema. Lauding his decision to release 'Sitaare Zameen Par' in theatres and hold off on its OTT release for six months, Ghai called it a move that brings "dignity to Hindi cinema." In his heartfelt note, the director expressed his happiness at how exhibitors across the country honoured Aamir as a "brave filmmaker" for supporting the big-screen experience and showing deep respect for theatrical business. Sharing a photo featuring Aamir Khan, Subhash Ghai wrote on Instagram, "Dear Aamir. You have done it again to bring dignity to Hindi cinema with your heartwarming film in cinema halls n pledging not to show it on small screen for six months. M glad that all India exhibitors honoured you as a brave film maker yesterday for respecting the business of big screens theatres too. Congratulations n blessings. @muktaa2cinemas @pvrcinemas_official @inoxmovies @cinepolismx @zeecinema @muktaartsltd. " The makers of the Aamir Khan starrer have decided not to release the film on OTT platforms. The Multiplex Association of India had applauded the move, and Aamir Khan Productions later expressed their gratitude for the support. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cervecería Nacional CFD: Calcula cuánto podrías ganar invirtiendo solo $100 Empieza a invertir hoy Empieza ahora Undo Sharing MAI's statement on their official Instagram account, the production house wrote in the caption, "Grateful for the overwhelming love and support MAI (red heart emoji)." In the statement, Kamal Gianchandani, who served as the President of MAI, had said, "Aamir Khan has always been a filmmaker who puts the audience first. His decision to bring Sitaare Zameen Par exclusively to cinemas is a significant show of confidence in theatres and the shared magic of the moviegoing experience. Indian exhibitors thank Aamir Khan for standing by theatres. As we continue to welcome audiences with renewed energy and world-class films, Sitaare Zammen Par will remain a shining example of cinema's resilience and its irreplaceable magic. " "Sitaare Zameen Par," which also stars Genelia D'Souza, was a sequel to the 2007 hit film "Taare Zameen Par." Directed by RS Prasanna, the sports drama hit theatres on June 20.
