Cheering for the woman of substance

On International Womens’ Day, some of the television industry’s most popular actors celebrate the woman of substance in their lives — on screen and off it too.

Mrunal Jain: Smriti Irani and Sakshi Tanwar have literally ruled the industry. If I were to choose my woman of substance from the two, it would have to be Smriti Irani. Look at her body of work — whether it was Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi or Mere Apne, she always proved her versatility. Off the screen too, she has been dignified and well respected as a politician. Her journey from an actress to a politician has been truly inspirational in many ways. I feel proud to see her carry out her duties with aplomb as the textile minister now.

Sudeep Sahir: My woman of substance is my wife Anantica. She is a writer in the TV industry. As a writer and a mother, she doesn’t really get much time for herself. So, this Women’s Day, I am going to send her to a spa to relax. In the evening when I am back from the shoot, I will take her for a cosy romantic dinner. My idea of romance is getting out of one’s comfort zone and making someone feel really special.

Vivian Dsena: My favourite woman of substance from TV is Sakshi Tanwar — be it Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki or Crime Patrol, she has been very real in everything she has done. Her latest role in Dangal was performed to perfection too. She knows her job very well and her conduct is very good off screen as well.

Shashank Vyas: Balika Vadhu was like a school for me. And my woman of substance will always be Surekha Sikhri. I never imagined that I’d share screen space with her. She is a powerhouse of talent. Off the screen if you see her, she has so much grace and dignity. I adore her for the way she is.

Amal Sehrawat: Shweta Tiwari is my all-time favourite woman of substance. In spite of an abusive marriage, she made it big on TV and even won the reality show Big Boss. She has been an ideal mother too.