I can’t sit around waiting for a lead role: Rakshanda Khan

The Brahmarakshas actor Rakshanda Khan talks about returning to work after a three-year break and playing mom on-screen.

Rakshanda Khan took a break from acting for almost three years, when she was pregnant with daughter Enaya Tyagi. But now, she is glad to have made her comeback with Ekta Kapoor’s show Brahmarakshas, which began last month. Rakshanda is back to doing what she loves.

Rakshanda Khan says it’s not exciting for anyone to play a mom to actors who aren’t even 10 years younger than them. But she can’t sit around waiting for a lead role.

The actor has played numerous grey characters in hit soaps such as Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kasamh Se. Talking about her new series Brahmarakshas, she says, “Shooting for the show was weird on the first day. But I soon got the hang of it. It was strange for me to change my routine. Earlier, my day was dictated by my daughter, but now, it is dictated by shooting schedules.”

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Her TV show’s team, however, has been helpful and cooperative when it comes to her work timings. The actor says, “I know how bad working on TV shows can be at times. Thankfully, things have been smooth for me.”

Rakshanda was unfazed by the fact that she would have to play a mother to actors who are barely “10 years younger” than her. She quips, “They listen to me more than my kid does. But jokes apart, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. That’s the trend on TV, and one has to accept it. It’s not exciting for anyone to play a mom to actors who aren’t even 10 years younger than them. But I can’t sit around waiting for a lead role. That isn’t going to happen. So,I choose to create my own space and be happy.”

The actor is grateful for a long and fruitful career. When she started acting in 2003, she had “zero expectations” from herself. Acting happened to her accidentally. “I have got more than my due. I have played roles that people told me only I could have done. I have essayed numerous meaty roles, and, at times, played three-month cameos in serials, which became pivotal roles and worked well. The point is to make a mark with your work — be it a cameo or a full-length one. It is the recall value of a role [that is important]. When I get a chance to create an impact with a part, I take it up,” she says.