Exclusive - Aradhana Sharma on how casting couch experience affected her mentally: I couldn’t stay with a man in one room, not even my father

Reality show personality Aradhana Sharma found new fame and recognition with her cameo role in popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. But the actress had to face a lot of difficulties, criticisms and also fell prey to casting couch. Aradhana opened up about all her vulnerabilities and how she withstood them all with a positive approach. Aradhana spoke to ETimes TV in a candid chat about all she has been through in life. Pic: Instagram

I will give credit to Splitsvilla. I never thought of doing Splitsvilla. I loved Roadies and wanted to do that show. Splitsvilla was in my destiny and gave me a platform. It changed my life. While many recollect that I am from Splitsvilla many also question my credibility as an actor. They’ll comment, ‘yeh Splitsvilla se hai? Isko toh acting nahi ayegi’. But I always wanted to act since childhood. I am a dancer. Initially, there were difficulties but I did get an identity. Then I did Aladdin Naam Toh Suna Hoga, Hero Gayab Mode On, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and it’s been good. Pic: Instagram

There were many challenges. I have changed myself a lot at the moment but initially I was mentally very weak. I would get affected hearing people’s opinion. You tend to get a lot of negativity while doing Splitsvilla. People get so involved they will use ‘gaali’ and all when you come out of the show… even kids! People tend to mistake a reality show for real-life show. Pic: Instagram

Always, till now. I will share an incident which happened to me recently. I won’t take name. We send our portfolios to various casting agencies and one of them was looking for ‘pretty, beautiful lead’ role. So I told the casting agent to forward my portfolio and he said, ‘I have written here pretty, you are not pretty’. These were his words. He told me I don’t fit in ‘pretty and beautiful’ bracket and will give roles which will fit me. I was also called a ‘she-male’ because of my body type. I am really into fitness and had learnt martial arts too. So people would say I look ‘mardaana’. I also get body-shamed a lot. ‘You look like this, that… you don’t have the face’ and things like that. I don’t know why people comment on a person’s looks rather than seeing their work/acting. People have an opinion on everything. It’s very bad. It affects mentally and it’s the survival of the fittest. You have to accept yourself. Pic: Instagram

An incident did happen to me and I can never forget it in my entire life. It happened 4-5 years back. I was studying in Pune then. It happened in my hometown Ranchi. There was a person, who was doing casting in Mumbai. I was doing modelling assignments in Pune and hence was a bit known. I went to Ranchi as he said he is casting for some role. We were doing script reading in a room and he was trying to touch me. I couldn’t figure out what was happening. I just remember pushing him, opening the door and run away. I couldn’t share this to anyway for a few days. It was a love scene reading script. It was very bad. I had forgotten about it until now. Pic: Instagram

I started having trust issues. I can’t stay with a man in one room. I couldn't even stay with my papa. This has happened with me. I was 19/20 yrs old then? I couldn’t let anyone touch me. I used to feel so bad. It was a very bad experience for me. My mother and I wanted to confront him but then our family members stopped. Pic: Instagram

I have faced it in my family. I am not new to this but mujhe jhatka zaroor mila tha. I was barely 13-14 yrs old. I was compared to my sister…she is really very pretty. Our relatives would tell my mom about the shape of my nose. I received a lot of flak for my nose shape. I would even ask my mom if I should get a surgery done. She strictly said no. People try to turn us into other individuals. There was a time, I would indeed copy others. I forgot my individuality and started imitating others. It was hard for me to accept myself but I will overcome it. I will tell all to never fall for such comparisons and be true to yourself. Pic: Instagram

I always believe in the song, ‘Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna’. We are all made different for a reason. We all have different purposes in our lives. We all have one life and we all go through ups and downs…just the scenarios are different. Just live through it all with happiness. My mother and sister have supported a lot all this while. My father is very neutral but I am here because of my mother. She has supported me mentally, emotionally, financially and in all ways. My mother gets involved a lot at times. She is a sweetheart. Pic: Instagram

Like I said, my mother has been my biggest supporter. My relatives would say ‘Yeh nachaniya banegi? Will she sell herself? What will she do? There are all bad people!’ My mom told me not to bother. My mother told me ‘You are an artist and this is art. Be professional, you are doing no wrong.’ Now my relatives, who would then look down upon me are now all very appreciative and praise me. Pic: Instagram

Yes, I definitely have. You know, I had to give up on projects because of the scenes. I won’t say I am reluctant but at times they show unnecessary scenes. I am ok with intimate scenes till the time it is relevant and required. But I have phobia with kissing scenes. I tend to shiver and I am very scared. I can never do kissing scenes on-screen. Pic: Instagram

I really want to do Nach Baliye and Bigg Boss. I manifest my thoughts. I also wish to do films and digital shows. I would also do daily soaps if there’s a nice role. I followed Rubina’s season. I feel agar actor hoke Bigg Boss nahi gaye toh kya kia. I feel I am a complete entertainer and want to test my patience level. I loved Rubina in the show. Pic: Instagram