Exclusive - Anupamaa's 'overweight' Muskan Bamne on facing rejections: People would say, 'Yeh thodi healthy hai, isko reject kar do'

The 21-year old Muskan Bamne, who is currently seen in the television show Anupamaa as Pakhi, got in a heart-to-heart conversation with ETimes TV exclusive for our special Tellyblazer segment. The actress, who has been around in showbiz for the past 10 years, says that now she has gained recognition because of Anupamaa. In this interaction, the young actor opened up about her reel and real family, struggle, rejections, being a learner and a lot more: Read the excerpts from the interview right here:
We've seen you do episodic shows like Crime Patrol and others for the past few years but how has life changed post Anupamaa?
The biggest change is that people have started recognising me after a struggle of 10 years.It feels good to see my hard work pay off.
How has Pakhi changed you personally? Have you imbibed any nuances from her?
I am completely opposite to Pakhi's character in real life. All that Anupamaa asks Pakhi to do on the show by making her understand is something that Muskan does in real life by her instinct. I respect everyone, I don't raise my voice at anyone or talk back to elders. I come from a joint family, so I know very well how to talk with people.
Did you always want to become an actor?
I had never really thought about it but my family has been so supportive of me since childhood. I would do dance shows and my dadu's (grandfather) friend, who was present there told him that Muskan should try acting because she looks cute. So, my dadaji brought me to Mumbai. He shifted from Madhya Pradesh to here in Mumbai for me. It can be said that it was his dream for me to achieve something really big in life.

You have been working from the age of 10. So, did you miss out on a normal childhood?
No, not at all. I am a very simple child and have always been a very introvert person. I love being with my family more than friends. So, anyway, I don't go out so I don't really lose out on anything. So, I haven't missed out on anything.
How has your experience of giving auditions been pre and post Anupamaa?
Earlier, they would give us lengthier scripts during auditions and check how much we can memorise and how much we can do in one take. I would take a lot of stress while giving auditions about how I will give. Now, I have understood the process to just learn and say how you feel. Whatever comes from within has to be emoted well. It's become easier now because I've been doing it for quite some time now.
How has your experience been working with Rupali Ganguly, Sudhanshu Pandey and the entire star cast?
It's very nice. Everyday there are scenes and the mood is always different. Small little things that enhance your character, is something that I get to learn from them everyday. When they appreciate my work, I feel really great.

How is your equation with Rupali Ganguly off-screen because most of your scenes are with her?
My bond with Rupali Ganguly off-screen is not that of Pakhi and Anupamaa. I love her a lot and she loves me a lot and we enjoy a lot on the sets.
A journey isn't always a bed full of roses, it also has thorns. Have you faced such rejections and how did you deal with them?
It has been many times that I have been rejected. Most of the rejections that I faced when I was fat and people would say, 'Yeh thodi healthy (fat) hai, isko reject kar do' but my family has been so supportive that they never let me take much stress or pressure about all of these things. They always encouraged me by saying, 'abhi nahin baad me ho jayega.' They often said, 'What has come is for your good and what has gone is for your best.'

What were the emotions that you went through while being rejected for being overweight and what did you do about it?
Actually losing weight is a lengthy process and we can't just do it all of a sudden. I had to chalk out a whole plan about what should be eaten, what should be given and at what hour of the day. It took me nearly 4-5 years and I was still heavy. I knew that if I did not work on my body then I won't get work in the industry in future. Gradually, I matured, I've understood what all is to be done and what helps. So, yes, rejections would really hurt me and I am still trying.
Are you exploring other mediums or have you got some opportunities other than Anupamaa?
I haven't been approached for anything yet but if I get something better, I will definitely take that up.
Acting as a profession is very unstable and the person often tends to lose their mind and give up. One needs to be strong enough to tackle, has this ever happened to you?
No. Thankfully, I haven't been through any such phase. When the family stands by you everything goes in flow. So, all I have is - family and all I want is - family. If you have your family's support, then everything becomes easy.

There are many teenage actors who are doing a lot of music singles. Do you wish to do it or have you been approached for it yet?
There's nothing of this sort for now. Right now, I am doing Anupamaa and 25 days out of 30 goes on the set. So, taking out time becomes a bit difficult. Whenever I'll wish, I'll do that (music video).
Reality shows have become a rage and would you want to take up any of the reality shows in near future?
I haven't thought about it yet and have no idea about it.
Do you miss the olden days on the set or you've adjusted to the new regulations?
We have become so habitual of maintaining social distancing and other necessary precautions because of COVID-19 that we've forgotten about the olden days. The days where we would eat together and stay carefree. We stay protective of ourselves on the set.
Are you happy with the way your journey has shaped up in the industry in these past 10 years and how much have you grown individually?
I am happy with what I have done. By doing those small small roles, I've got to learn a lot. I've learnt a lot in these 10 years which will help me in future obviously. Whatever I have learnt in that struggle is something that I will implement and show it to people.

On the content being given a more realistic approach in daily soaps these days?
I haven't watched a lot of earlier shows but it would show a family, saas-bahu saga, nothing like this is happening now. Even in Anupamaa, a joint family is shown, other shows also have joint families and all. The change is good and everyone's individual character comes across strongly and people know them.
On Anupamaa rocking the TRP charts. How does it feel to be a part of such a show?
It is amazing. Whatever I say about the show is less. Everyone boasts with pride on learning that the show is standing strong on the TRP chart. For that, everyone is working hard, giving their best, so that the audience gets the best to watch.
There were rumours of things not going well between the star cast of the show. What do you have to say about it?
There is nothing like this, it's all fine. I'd even uploaded a video clarifying this issue. It's all fun and we even make reels together. Those were just rumours.

How do you feel when people call you by your screen name outside?
People recognise me now and they say, 'Aree, she's Pakhi' and they don't know my real name. It feels great that people know me by my character's name but I will feel much better when they know me by my real name, Muskan.
We hear that actors are signed on the basis of their social media followers rather than real talent. What do you have to say about it?
I think it's wrong because talent takes a backseat. Social media is equally important and you need to promote yourself but actors being signed on the basis of their followers is wrong.