While many would have expected Kamya Panjabi to take up a new daily soap soon after Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki wrapped up in September last year, the actress waited patiently for a good opportunity to come her way. She is now returning with Rashmi Sharma’s Sanjog, in which she will play Gauri, a fierce, ambitious and materialistic mother.
Kamya says, “I was offered a few shows but I didn’t take them up, as I didn’t want to be associated with any run-of-the-mill project. Sirf paise kamaane hote toh phir alag baat hoti. Of course, I want to make money but I also seek work for satisfaction. I am my own competition. So, I want to try something new with every show and improve my graph. I have worked with the production house on Shakti and I know that they will call me only if the character is good. Otherwise, I will give them sleepless nights (laughs!). It’s different from what I have done so far.”
A common complaint in the television industry is that it prefers younger, new faces but Kamya is confident that her show will strike a chord with the audience. She says, “Several shows have wrapped up in just six months in recent times. One needs to understand the importance of a good mix of actors. Naye talent ko bilkul mauka milna chahiye but not at the cost of seasoned actors. Many shows without experienced actors bite the dust in no time. I am a proud supporting actor and shows need actors like me for longevity. But no one wants to spend on seasoned artistes, who are professional and talented. Jisko acting ka A nahi aata aap usko laakhon rupaye de dete hain aur jinko aata hai unko aap `5,000 dete hain. Logon ne iss industry ko itna kuchh diya hai — time and dedication. A lot of them are sitting at home jobless, unko aise hi kick out nahi kar sakte.”
The actress was always certain that she wouldn’t take a pay cut, which was another reason for a 10-month wait. She says, “I can compromise a bit for a great role but won’t settle for a drastic pay cut. My idea is not to work for 25 days a month but enjoy playing the part even if I am shooting for three days. I know my capabilities and the extent I can go to play my part convincingly. I don’t aspire to be called a star, but a good actor who can play any part effortlessly.”
