Felt Ashamed: Deepshikha on Negative Roles in ‘Baadshah’, ‘Koyla’
The Indian film industry has had its fair share of controversies and debates over the years, with one of the most pressing issues being the stigma surrounding negative roles. The notion that a female actor who plays a villainous character is somehow less worthy or respectable is a phenomenon that has plagued many actresses, including the talented Deepshikha Nagpal. In a recent interview, Nagpal opened up about the struggles she faced while playing negative roles in films like ‘Baadshah’ and ‘Koyla’, and the lingering effects it had on her personal life.
For those who may not be familiar with Nagpal’s work, she is an Indian actress who made her mark in the 90s with her performances in films like ‘Koyla’ (1997) and ‘Baadshah’ (1999). While both films were commercially successful, Nagpal’s characters in these films were far from the conventional heroines. She played the role of a seductive and manipulative woman in ‘Koyla’, opposite Shah Rukh Khan, and a cunning and ruthless woman in ‘Baadshah’.
In her recent interview, Nagpal revealed that playing these negative roles took a toll on her self-esteem and made her feel ashamed. “Back then, negative roles weren’t respected…I was told, ‘What have you done? You were naked in the film…Your kids won’t respect you’. I felt ashamed,” she said. The constant criticism and scrutiny she faced made her develop complexes and regret her decisions to work on these films.
Nagpal’s experiences are a stark reminder of the societal pressures and expectations that women in the film industry face. The notion that a woman’s worth is tied to her moral character is a harmful and outdated ideology that has been perpetuated for far too long. The fact that Nagpal was judged and criticized for her roles, simply because they were negative, speaks to the deep-seated biases and prejudices that exist in our society.
The impact of these negative roles on Nagpal’s personal life was profound. She admitted to struggling with the consequences of playing these characters, including the fear of being judged by her children and the constant criticism from others. “I was told, ‘You’re a mother, you’re a wife, you’re a daughter…how can you do such things on screen?’ I was made to feel guilty for doing my job,” she said.
Nagpal’s story is a powerful reminder of the need for change in our industry. It’s time for us to recognize that negative roles are an essential part of storytelling and that actors who play these characters are not inherently “bad” people. It’s time for us to move beyond the outdated notions of morality and respectability and focus on celebrating the artistry and talent of our actors, regardless of the roles they play.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards more nuanced and complex portrayals of women on screen. Films like ‘The Favourite’ and ‘Captain Marvel’ have showcased female characters who are multifaceted and multidimensional, and have received critical acclaim and commercial success as a result. It’s time for our industry to follow suit and recognize the value and importance of negative roles.
Nagpal’s story is also a testament to the importance of self-acceptance and self-love. Despite the criticism and shame she felt, she has managed to move forward and find success in her career. Her willingness to speak out about her experiences and share her story with others is a powerful reminder of the importance of vulnerability and honesty.
In conclusion, Deepshikha Nagpal’s story is a powerful reminder of the struggles that many actresses face in the film industry. Her experiences playing negative roles in films like ‘Baadshah’ and ‘Koyla’ took a toll on her self-esteem and made her feel ashamed. However, she has also shown remarkable resilience and strength in the face of adversity, and has emerged as a powerful advocate for change in our industry. It’s time for us to recognize the value and importance of negative roles and to celebrate the artistry and talent of our actors, regardless of the roles they play.
