Anita Raj | Known for her strong performances and true to life approach towards acting, Raj has no regrets in stepping into the small screen. She speaks with Muskan Bakshi about her journey, experiences and woman empowerment
Your debut film was Prem Geet. How do you see yourself now?
I see myself as a woman, a wife, daughter, sister, mother and mother-in-law; my son is going to get married next year. I am happy and blessed. God has been kind to me.
Which movie from your old days would you like to see a remake of?
Ghulami (1985) because my character (Tulsi) was very nice. Second is Naukar Biwi Ka (1983) which was a comedy. I would love to see a modern take on these two films.
What is your take on the kind of films being made today?
Some movies like Piku and Pink are brilliant. They touch you. Movies should be able to have the power to connect with the audiences.
What difference in actors actors?
Actors today, are more professional. Use of technology has ensured that the way movies are made are different. Even the way TV shows are shot and the way actors do their work has changed. Everything is evolving.
What is the lesson that you have learnt?
Everyday you learn lessons when you are working in the industry. It is important to be a good human being whatever the circumstances are.
What made you do Deendayal Ek Yogpurush?
I had a cameo role in the film in which I play Deendayal’s sister (Lata Khanna). Nobody knows about his sister — not by blood but by heart. I loved doing it because the writer and the director are very nice people. Even though it is a small production house, I loved working with them. Also, through the movie, I came to know a lot about Deendayal Upadhyaya. The storyline is very nice and that was an added attraction.
You have done so many films, what attracted you to do television?
After doing films there was gap because at that time I was looking after my child. When I got the offer for TV, I accepted it because the character was good. Second, as you grow older you have to accept your age and be graceful. You can’t be playing a 16 or 18 year role at the age of 40. I started getting the roles that were fit for my age on TV and I went with the flow.
What is your character in Choti Sarrdaarni about? What attracted you to it?
My role is strong, bold and courageous. She is a force to recon with in her family whom she loves. She will do anything to protect them. My character is bold. I like characters who can raise their voice against wrong things. Also, this role suits best to my personality.
What about women empowerment?
A woman is a mother, daughter, wife, sister and grandmother. They play every important role in a family. All the family members depend on a woman. Today, women have dual responsibility. They are stepping out of their homes to work, where they are excelling. Then they come home to take care of the family. Women are multi-taskers. It’s wonderful to be a woman.
What kind of problems women in rural India face?
Now, things are much better thanks to a lot of initiatives like schools for girls and stress on personal hygiene. I went to Kumbh Mela, crores of people visit it but the cleanliness was unbelievable. Things are improving which is good but we have still have a long way to go.
