By Anil Merani: Talented all-format actor Shruti Sharma, who is returning with the reboot of the hit yesteryear sitcom, Office Office, aims to inspire fans by challenging social perceptions of women and advocating societal change.
“Although the need for a renaissance of Indian women is immediate and urgent, I am very aware that societal change is always gradual. The entire desi family structure needs an overhaul; husbands, fathers, and brothers need to start respecting their womenfolk. Woke and feminist ideas should be inculcated in children from a young age so they will respect women as they grow up.”
“Our entertainment industry reflects current social norms. We tend to judge women by their clothes: a good bahu will wear a sari, and a vamp will be seen in short outfits. But in real life, it is not that simple or clear-cut.”
“Here, I will add that both makers and channels need to come out of the current saas- bahu trend and return to the days of Doordarshan /Zee TV, when strong, unapologetic women dominated the tube. (Air Hostess, Tara, Banegi Apni Baat, etc.) Agreed, this might be risky in today’s ecosystem, but no pain, no gain.”
When asked about why educated women also take shit in marriage (Trisha Sharma’s suicide)?, she says, “It is not that simple. We, women, have been conditioned to regard marriage as for keeps, and even today, most parents are not ready to step up to the plate for their married daughters when push comes to shove.”
. Sadly, Indian society was not so regressive in ancient times. These negative elements gained prominence amid the medieval era invasions. We need to return to our old thought process, but yes, it’s a long haul.”
Talking about the Office Office, she says, “It’s a refreshing change in the scene that my character does not take shit; rather, she gives back like how. Unlike the original Musadhilal (poor man doing rounds of govt offices), here his daughter Anokhi does what it takes to get her work done.”
“My first scene begins with a pow wow, but I am glad that here my character does not cry; rather, she makes others weep buckets.”
Is quite happy with the career growth she started with a tv talent hunt (India’s Next Superstars
Then did Hindi (Paglait)and Telugu movies, TV series, and OTT
I have always done diverse characters, be it an IPS officer in Gathbandhan, a double role in Namak Issk ka, or supernatural in Yehh Jadu Hai Jinn Ka! and Saima in Heeramandi.”
“Unlike other actors, I am not in a hurry to become famous. I want to deliver high-quality work under my terms and conditions. I don’t subscribe to the modern tenets that success lies in money and power; for me, happiness lies in spending quality time with my folks.”
It was quite a challenge for a Lucknow lass like me to make it in Mumbai. The common refrain would be that you have to do other stuff to break in. Still, my family stood behind me like the rock of Gibraltar. They took care of my financial needs so that I could keep my end goal in mind.”
In closing, Shruti does not care too much about the SM craze; “it is a fad. What finally matters is your morals and your hard work. Your true fans will stay with you, no matter what.”
