Shriya Jha enjoys the luxury of having a teacher cum guide in her talented actress mother Amardeep Jha. The girl who has been known for her docile roles on TV was taken aback when she was offered the role of a hardcore prostitute in Colors’ Uttaran (FilmFarm India). Says Shriya, “I was in for a shock when Rupali Mam (Guha) offered me this very different role. Even my mother could not believe that I can carry out such a character. All credit goes to Rupali Mam for visualizing me in this character. The role of Chameli has been a very important one from the day one of shoot. The way the character has been written is so very nice. I am enjoying playing the role, and now that the character has seen a transition, the girl has become more of the ‘gharelu’ character.” So was it difficult to carry the role of a prostitute? “Yes, of course!! I have never done such a role in my life. The character demanded me to be crude, bold and bindass, speaking the typical Mumbaiyya language, scolding people, chewing pan etc. I had to shed my innocent image and work on this character to get it right. Today I am glad that I did a good job.” Ask her about her mother’s reaction to her character of Chameli and she states, “Aah, she is very proud of me. In fact, when we sat together to watch my first episode in Uttaran, she could not believe what she saw onscreen. She was pleasantly shocked, and said that my performance was beyond her expectations. And to get such a credit from my mother was something wonderful. Honestly speaking, I cannot perform in front of my mother. So she advised me to observe people on the streets, and watch movies like Salaam Bombay to get the feel of playing a prostitute. I think all that worked in my favour. I did implement her advises whenever it was needed.” Ask Shriya whether she has imbibed certain qualities from her mother who is a prolific actress, and she expresses, “She is a power-packed performer. She is very professional at work, and I think I have taken that quality from her. I concentrate on my role completely, do my work and get home.” Shriya who was played the lead role in Sahara One’s Jhilmil Sitaaron Ka Aangan Hoga and was seen in Zee TV’s Do Dil Bandhe Ek Dori Se has appeared in few regional films. “I have played a blind girl earlier for a movie. But I must say that I am loving every bit of my character in Uttaran.” Ask her about the transition of the prostitute to a homely girl in the show, and the actress speaks out, “See, the transition has been very gradual, realistic and logical too. The day Chameli landed in the jail, her transition started. Now that she is back with her daughter, and is also with her ex-boy friend, she has completely changed into this homely girl.” Remind her that with the character getting regular, she might lose out on the uniqueness that she carried in the prostitute’s role and she quickly says, “I hope the character does not lose its sheen from here.” Shriya, keep up your good work!!