Naagin actress Puja Sharma returns to TV after seven years with Jhanak: I couldn't have asked for a better comeback
After a seven-year hiatus, actress
Puja Sharma
is back — and she's returning with fire in her eyes. Known for her roles in
Naagin
,
Jyoti
,
Dil Se Dil Tak
,
Mere Angne Mei
n, and
Devon Ke Dev Mahadev
, Sharma returns with a character she describes as "strong and layered," a choice made consciously after turning down offers that didn't resonate.
She will enter Jhanak, playing Kanka — a fierce, grey-shaded tribal woman from a Naxalite backdrop.
'After a sabbatical, I didn't want to take up just anything. I was waiting for the right moment,' says Sharma, pointing out how the medium tends to typecast actresses over 30. 'On television, you often get roles based on your age, and once you cross 30, you're mostly offered characters like Chachi, Bhabhi, Didi, or Devrani—which is fine, as long as the role is challenging.
When I heard the brief for this particular character, I just knew it was the one.
I couldn't have asked for a better comeback—it's a fantastic role.'
The actor admits that while she stayed visible through commercials and a yet-to-be-released film, the absence of long-format storytelling left a creative void. 'I definitely missed acting—no denying that. Although I did shoot for a movie during this time (still waiting for its release), and I also worked on several TV commercials.
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But I missed living a character for more than just a day,' she says. 'Commercials are typically one-day shoots, while on television, you get to truly live the character over time.
You get more screen presence, more time and space to perform—and that's absolutely thrilling for any actor.'
Her comeback role, she explains, offers her just that—the chance to explore a nuanced persona with depth and emotional heft. 'It's a grey character—I'm playing a strong tribal girl who is part of a Naxalite group. She's a
gundi
,' Sharma shares.
'Coincidentally, I'm from Jharkhand, and since childhood, many tribal people have worked at my home. I've closely observed their mannerisms—the way they speak, dress, carry themselves. So when I found out about this character, I was genuinely excited. It felt like something I deeply resonated with.'
The show she joins already enjoys a considerable following, but Sharma isn't weighed down by the expectations. 'Honestly, I wouldn't say I feel pressure. On the contrary, I'm excited!' she asserts. 'I think it's every actor's dream to portray a strong, meaningful character—and I'm finally getting that opportunity. I'm really happy.'
She concludes with a grounded perspective on storytelling. 'Characters are like spices in food—they bring flavor. Without flavor, any dish is bland, and similarly, every character brings something unique to a story.'
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