Madhubala’s Deepali is shrewd, cunning and unmerciful; a classical bit**: Seema Mishra

Seema Mishra, who plays the main negative lead Deepali in Colors’ Madhubala (Nautanki Telefilms and BAG Films), is of the view that she is happy with whatever she is able to bring out from the character she plays as she has been given full freedom to play it the way she wants to.

Describing her character Seema avers, “She’s shrewd, cunning and very unmerciful; a classical bit**.”

The suave actress with an impressive baritone, who had earlier done Twinkle Beauty Parlour (SAB TV) after the revamp adds, “Deepali is very unlike other TV antagonists in the sense that, she is not loud and outlandish. Rather, she brings her own unique flavour.”

Whatever she does, she does with a great subtleness and class. “I have also not tried to play up my looks with over the top costumes, make-up and bindis. I can bring in the required impact through sheer acting and don’t need props for the same,” the actress reveals.

Talking about audience reaction she says, “Those who religiously watch Madhubala hate my character and that works for the show. There are several others who also come and tell me that they love the way I play my role, deliver my dialogues etc. They feel that they have never seen a vamp like this before. Agreed, Deepali may be doing the same old things, but my style is unique. I work hard to present this negative avatar in a way that today’s audiences can relate with, she is not a caricature.”

Seema also accepts that playing a negative character for long does rub off on her personal attitude. “But it does not really affect my life too much, as I switch off the moment pack up is announced. My family and close friends are sometimes taken aback by the sheer intensity of my character; in the sense that they can’t understand how someone who is so spiritual and sweet can appear so vicious on screen,” she observes.

This Mumbai girl who began her TV career with a cameo for India Calling on Star One, in Twinkle Beauty Parlour played a spoilt brat. It has been a long time since Twinkle shut down. “Yes, I had to take a sabbatical from acting for two-three years due to some personal reasons. After that I did corporate training sessions and also dabbled with short films and documentaries,” Seema maintains.

Like all other actors, Seema to would like to do films as well. “I think I have it in me to rock the big screen,” she concludes.