For an actor, being able to move between contrasting characters is often one of the biggest challenges and rewards. Smita Sinakar, who plays Uma in Rahul Kumar Tewary’s Jagadhatri, has been enjoying that very opportunity. After portraying a more approachable, friendly character in Udne Ki Aasha, the actor has stepped into a far more serious and layered space with Uma.
Smita recalls one particular scene that helped her understand the character better. “I was searching for some clue in Jagadhatri’s room and I had to be very kind and very loving. But at that moment, I thought that I should turn and give some expression that I am not the one that you are seeing. I’m also layered,” she says.
The actor decided to add a subtle but significant expression to the scene. “That was when I just turned to the camera and gave a malicious, evil smile kind of thing. That was the time when I loved it. Even the director and everyone appreciated it,” she recalls.
For Smita, that moment represented the duality of Uma. “I felt that I have to play a very good lady and a very sweet lady, but I know what I have come here for. And I have to show the audience that there’s a flavour in this,” she explains.
Her theatre background has also helped her remain prepared for the unpredictability of television. “I’ve been doing theatre since I was in Mithibai College. We were taught that you should be on your toes and, whatever the situation is, you have to give your best. We are internally prepared for anything and everything,” she says.
After spending nearly a year with Uma, Smita feels she has developed a strong understanding of the character. “Because you know the character very well, because it’s been a year now, you are mentally prepared that I have to be like this. But if some changes come, we can just flip our mood and give that shot very easily,” she says.
The actor is also happy that Uma has allowed her to avoid being typecast. “I’ve seen many people being approached for the same type of role and you are always typecast. But luckily for me, I have done Udne Ki Aasha, which is a very friendly lady-next-door kind of role. And in Jagadhatri, it’s a very matriarchal, serious, very strong character,” she says.
“People are loving me in both the characters. Thankfully, till now, I’ve not been asked to play the same roles,” Smita adds.
