Maddam Sir actress Gulki Joshi facing rejection for dark skin colour, says was once asked 'aap naukrani ke role ke liye aaye ho?'

Gulki Joshi, who currently plays the role of SHO Haseena Malik in Maddam Sir, spoke to ETimes TV recently. Having spent over a decade industry, Gulki spoke about the time, when should face rejections for her skin colour, being out of work for a year and half before Shri Krishna show happened to her and more. In a candid chat, she spoke about earning love from fans, TRP, comparisons with Kavita Kaushik’s FIR and more. (Pics: Instagram)

Whatever every actor goes through while entering the industry – giving ‘n’ number of audition, not getting call backs, train-bus me dhakke khana and all these. I also faced a bit of struggle due to my skin colour. There was a time, when TV shows would look for gori-chitti lead heroines. But by God’s grace, I got through it too because He has given me the talent. There have been times when I have been told, “Aap looks me itna match nhi karte ho, but aap performer achhe ho toh hum aapko cast kar lete hain. (You don’t match so much look wise, but you are good performer so we will cast you)” I don’t know if it was a compliment or an insult but it has happened. (Pics: Instagram)

So many times it has happened. There have been times when I would go for an audition for the lead role and the casting director would ask me, “Achha, aap naukrani ke role ke liye aaye ho? (Have you come for the maid’s role?)” I would explain to them that I have come to meet a certain person for the lead role. I can’t even blame anyone. This has been the industry standards since ages. After a point when you grow up in life, everyone has their own journey in life. It depends on you, what you learn and how you grow. (Pics: Instagram)

It feels incredible to be doing a strong role. A woman, who is in a strong position and is also emotional at the same time but she doesn’t like we see in other daily soaps. It’s a very unique character. I am enjoying a lot. This is the most challenging and satisfying role in my career. (Pics: Instagram)

It’s been a fantastic journey. Starting from a serial with Doordarshan to Crime Patrol up till Maddam Sir, I have been really lucky and blessed. I got the right work with the right people at the right moment and got to learn things. That’s coming to use now. (Pics: Instagram)

As an actor, every project is a turning point. You keep getting better in your performances, you meet new people and you explore a lot about yourself. As such there’s no turning point. But if you talk about a major career jump, Maddam Sir has been a turning point. Despite doing so many shows, this has been the first time there are hoardings and posters of me all over India. I am literally flooded with gifts and letters from fans. I get handmade collages from little kids and they are overwhelming. (Pics: Instagram)

A lot of times it has happened. Before Paramavatar Shri Krishna, there was a time I didn’t get work for one and half years. I was doing a few ads. I had planned that I will use up my savings, pack up my bags and study abroad. There’s no point wasting time. I have two hands, two legs and talent, I will put it to use. But the day I started applying for courses abroad, I got a call from Shri Krishna and they approached me as if I am the last actress left. They were hell-bound in casting me. Whenever I don’t have work, I feel like packing up and do something else. Life is more important than anything and I want to live my life. (Pics: Instagram)

When the show started, I don’t remember a single interview where people didn’t ask me about FIR. There were comparisons but after 300 episodes, I think we have proved to the audience that both the shows are very different. FIR was a cult show and will always remain the same. Both the shows have their own place. In fact, I would love if Kavita Kaushik comes and does a cameo with us. (Pics: Insta/Twitter)