Exclusive! Aamna Sharif: I have a lot to prove as an actor even now

Aamna Sharif, best known for her role in Kahiin Toh Hoga on TV, is now exploring OTT. After Damaged 3, she is now seen in Aadha Ishq as the lead actress. We spoke to Aamna about her latest web series release and her life as an actor at this given point of time, especially after she ventured into OTT. Excerpts from the interview…

You play a mother who is in a complicated relationship with her lover, who is also with your daughter. Is that correct?

It's a 10-year journey of Roma. Saahir and Roma have been together in the past. Somewhere down the line, her daughter falls in love with Roma's past lover.

When you say Aadha Ishq, whose Aadha Ishq?

In totality yaar. It's the case for both Saahir and Roma. Their love didn't get completed.

When I hear about this story, it sounds pretty much like Dark Desire. What would have to say about that? Is Aadha Ishq inspired from that?

Not at all. From what I heard, this story was written four-five years ago. We worked on the show since quite since time. It has been in the making since two years, which is way before Dark Desire. So, I don't think it is inspired by that. I love that show and have watched it but that's not it.

Aadha Ishq is the long journey of lovers who have loved each other for many years. It's a beautiful journey of theirs.

You explored, TV films and now OTT. After Damaged 3 and now Aadha Ishq, would you say you are here for OTT?

I am open to all the mediums but I'm absolutely loving the space. It's great that we're getting to perform such different and diverse characters. I can't even compare Roma and what I did in Damaged because they are such diverse characters. It's absolutely great. OTT is like a film. You start with a project and complete it. It is very different from a Television space where you are going on with a project for a while. Again, I'm open to all the mediums but would like to focus on OTT and films right now.

Would you say that OTT is letting you tap into your potential more than any other medium could let you?

I absolutely agree with that. It has.

You became an instant hit on TV with Kahii Toh Hoga. That was in the era when female actresses were recognized for their role on TV, whether as a vamp or as a sanskaari beti or bahu. Now the times have changed but has the stereotype gone?

It went with Ek Villain itself. I'm extremely grateful that people still remember me as Kashish. I need to thank god that I get that kind of love. I absolutely love it when someone calls me Kashish. Breaking the stereotype happened with Ek Villain. People appreciated my work in that project. They loved Salochana in that. From thereon, I have been experimenting with my characters. Yes, as an actor, I have a lot more to prove and lots more work to do and create new characters.

Were you ever put in a box and got offers accordingly?

No, not at all. I didn't really do much on TV after Kahiin Toh Hoga. Then I switched to films.

What are your upcoming projects?

I do have some things at hand but currently, I want to concentrate on Aadha Ishq. You will get to know about them soon. At the moment, I super excited about the show. We really worked hard and made it with a lot of love and passion. Kunaal, Pratibha, Gaurav - we have put in a lot into the show. I hope people enjoy watching the show.

Do you think that things will change after the show's release?

I don't think anyone can decide that. All we can do is hope that people like the show. I'll continue doing my work as an actor. I believe in putting in your 100%. As they say, hardwork pays off. Fingers crossed.