Actors recall fan encounters where praise for their acting came alongside hatred for characters they play
Actors Aliya Ali. Tipu Sharif, both starring in the dramaBas Tera Saath Ho, revealed that they had experienced how audiences struggle to separate them from the characters they play, particularly when it comes to negative or controversial roles, with fans expressing hatred for their on-screen roles while showering the actors themselves with praise for their performances.
Duringan interview. Ali recalled a recent encounter at a mall where fans told her they hated her character in her current drama. "They said I am doing so well that they have started to hate me," she said.
Sharif, who plays the character Ansa's brother inBas Tera Saath Ho,shared a similar experience he had at theZombeidpremiere. "I went to bring tea for someone and accidentally bumped into a woman whose popcorn spilled," he said. "She told me. 'That's okay Ansa's brother, don't harm her.'" He laughed while adding, "They really associate you with your character."
Ali admitted that such reactions validate her performance but highlighted the emotional risks of playing controversial roles. "It's scary doing controversial roles because you want to make sure you are doing amazing acting but that fans can also differentiate between you. your character," she said.
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Both actors agreed that playing negative or "toxic" characters demands careful interpretation and emotional control. "When you're not playing a positive role, there is only so much you can do," said Sharif. "When doing a toxic one, you can take it in so many directions," he added while Ali echoed the same, noting that selecting such roles involves careful reading. emotional preparation as the roles often demand layered performances.
Ali also spoke about the influence of senior actors, particularly Rubina [Ashraf], on her approach to performance and appearance. "I used to care so much about my appearance, especially how my hair should look," she said. Ali added, however, that Ashraf told her "character is seen through acting. Where you want to look pretty, look pretty and where you don't, don't."
She added that the biggest lesson was to prioritise performance over appearance. "Make yourself known through acting so that people don't want to change the channel," Ali said.
Discussing recognition in the industry, the actor noted that success is often unpredictable and not always linked to effort alone. "Sometimes when you do a big character or a good one, it won't be a hit. It's just luck, or direction's weakness, or publicity, you can say whatever," she said.
Further. reflecting on her career choices, Ali stated that she had put all her hard work in every project she had undertaken, noting that she remains grounded in her outlook on success. "My faith is that I will get fame if it is meant to be. If not, it won't happen," she said.
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Meanwhile, Sharif commented on the structural imbalance within the entertainment industry, particularly the preferential treatment given to lead actors. "We glamorise leads which makes all of us want to be the lead," he said. adding that "The hero or heroine is glorified to an extent that supporting cast knows they don't get the same protocols."
The actor noted, however, that global industries are slowly shifting toward ensemble storytelling. "Hollywood realised this,. India too, that ensemble casts have worth," he said, citing actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui as an example of unexpected success. "People close their doors to this. You never know what can happen," Sharif added.
He further stressed the importance of respecting all individuals involved in production. "Actors are sensitive. But we should also give respect to technicians no matter who someone is," he said, while Ali emphasised, "Lead characters are given 10, 15 takes until the scene is done,. other artists get just one take."
The interview included discussions of family traditions and personal hobbies, including Sharif's love for singing and the guitar. Sharif concluded the interview with advice for aspiring actors: "Observe, look, listen, and ask questions."
For Ali. Tipu, acting is not just about fame or lead roles but about endurance, learning, and the ability to remain grounded in an industry that constantly shifts between admiration and illusion.
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