From fight with Rupali Ganguly to shocking casting couch experience: Anupamaa’s Madalsa Sharma gets candid

Madalsa Sharma, who portrayed the role of Kavya in the popular TV show Anupamaa for four long years, has recently opened up about her personal and professional life. In a podcast with Hauterrfly, she spoke about her experience while working on the sets of Anupamaa, her love story with husband Mimoh, and much more. Here’s a look at all you need to know:

Madalsa opened up about her bond with Mithun Chakraborty and how he has always supported her. “He was the first person to tell me, ‘Mithhi’, whenever a TV opportunity comes, you must go ahead because television has a very vast audience. After Anupamaa, the kind of fame and recognition I got, I didn’t get that even after doing 20–22 films. He doesn’t believe in these stereotypes, that a woman should dress a certain way, walk a certain way, marry by a certain age, have kids by a certain age, or change after marriage. Not at all. He’s exactly the opposite.”

She recalled that her first interaction with Mimoh happened much before their relationship even began, and interestingly, it was through his mother. “I was entering the venue while Mimoh was stepping out. This was many, many years ago almost like a different phase of life,” she shared. That brief encounter led to a casual introduction, just a simple exchange of greetings. Almost after a decade, they got in touch again and later connected on a deeper level. “He got in touch again, which was really sweet. I truly feel blessed that it happened. We didn’t date at all. It was more like, we are going to get married,” she said candidly. Looking back, she feels nothing but gratitude. “Today, I just thank my lucky stars. It’s truly the best thing that could have happened to me.”

Talking about her journey with Anupamaa, she revealed that the opportunity came through a prior association with producer Rajan Shahi. “He already knew me, and my mother had also worked with him. The moment the first episode of Anupamaa aired, it just took off—and how! It’s still number one. It takes a little time at first, but then you’re seeing the same faces every single day for years. It becomes like a second home,” she said, adding that she was part of the show for four years. She emphasized that her role of Kavya wasn’t simply ‘negative’ but rather layered and realistic. “It wasn’t negative, it was grey. And that’s what made it exciting. It wasn’t the typical stereotypical portrayal you see on television. It felt like a trendsetter in its own way,” she said. “I felt like I was getting a chance to play something real, something different.”

The actress said, “A very renowned filmmaker had called me for a meeting. I was around 19 at that time. He had asked me that he was looking for a girl who was comfortable in a bikini. I thought in my head that it was no big deal, to be honest. The director said that he wanted to see whether I could wear a bikini. ‘I want to see your body language,’ he said, to check whether I would be comfortable wearing it in front of the camera. I said, ‘I am sorry. I am an actor by profession, and if there is a requirement for a bikini scene or whether it is a saree or a lehenga, whatever it is I am ready to wear it in front of the camera, and I would be comfortable because that is a part of my job. But to wear it in front of you is not a part of my job. So if you want to cast me on the basis of trusting my talent, then you can. And if you don’t, then I know where the door is.’”

“After I got married, whatever work I’ve done, it’s only because of Mimoh. He has been so supportive. Shoots run late, pack-ups get delayed, otherwise it’s difficult. With daily soaps, you have to be on set for long hours every day. He’s been very, very supportive,” she shared.

Madalsa shared that there were minor disagreements between her and Rupali Ganguly. Moreover, she confirmed that nothing major happened between the two. “Even in our personal lives, don’t we have small clashes? So if there are professional disagreements, why should they be treated as something dramatic? When there are so many people working together, a little noise is bound to happen. Everyone has their own perspective, especially when you’re dealing with strong, creative individuals who have their own opinions,” she added.