Exclusive: Today's actresses focus more on eyeliners than expressions; people should remember us for our work not looks: Usha Nadkarni

Veteran actress Usha Nadkarni is all set to make her comeback on TV with the upcoming show Sundar Aamcha Ghar. The actress will be seen in a completely different role in the show which will also feature actors Sukanya Mone, Satish Pulekar, and Sanchita Kulkarni. In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Usha Nadkarni spoke about her new role, what changes she sees in today's TV industry, on newcomers, and why she feels work is more important than glamour while working in the industry.

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

Talking about making her comeback in the industry, the veteran actress said, "Yes, it is my comeback but there is nothing special I am going to do in this show. I have always worked hard and looked at my work as a responsibility. I have always tried to give my best in everything and made my work my first priority."

Usha has been active in Bollywood, TV, Films as well as in web series and advertisements. Talking about why she never limited herself in terms of medium, the actress said, "I have seen some actors who say that they will not work on TV anymore because they are working in films. I think they are over-smart and they think they have some superpower. I have seen in my career that some actors bash about TV, always opt for films and when they don't get one or their films don't run, they switch themselves to television. But this is not the case with me. Acting is acting I don't care about the medium. No matter it is a web series, tv serial, or film if there is good work I will do."

The actress further shared her honest opinion about newcomers and why she thinks newbies should focus more on work than glamour. She said, "I have started working at an early age in my life. I am 75 now and still working and that is why I know people like my work. I focus more on work but I see the newcomers who are coming to the industry now are more focused on glamour than their acting skills. Sadly, today's actresses are focusing more on eyeliner than eye expressions. They come into Bollywood or any other regional industry just to get fame and not to entertain people with good work."

Usha further shared a bit of advice to the young actors out there and said, "Today's actors and actresses should understand that people should remember them for their work not completely for their looks. I have seen many actresses who have given flops in their entire careers because they have always focused more on how they look. Every actor should remember that we are here to entertain people, people should go to theaters or turn their TV on just to see your work and praise your skills not to see how you look on-screen."

Usha Nadkarni further remembered Marathi cinema's legendary actor Nilu File and said he got success for his acting skills. Usha said, "I have never been a good-looking woman. I admit that but I am here working continuously for the past many decades. I live at my home alone but people don't see me at home because I am working. Doing something or the other. There was a legend in Marathi cinema, Nilu Phule, he was not a good looking or he did not have any six-pack abs but people loved him. People were crazy for him. People only went to theaters just to see his performance. He was working till the end of his life. People should understand this."

Usha Nadkarni further shared her disappointment over a few actors who have poor Marathi diction. She said, "There are some actors who are doing really good and focus more on work. But there are some who can't even speak Marathi fluently and clearly. I really get upset seeing them working. They should first clear their diction and then join the industry. They say 'Paani' instead of 'पाणी', they could not even say one line in clear Marathi but they are in the industry. Whenever I see them I feel terrible."

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar