VAMP, bam, thank you maam!

In the movies, the antagonist or villain is usually the male. However, on the small screen, it is a completely different scenario, as women or the popular vamps rule till the end of the mega serial, which may take a year or many years on end. In fact, vamps, outshine the lead characters in a typical daily soap. They are the driving force of a serial, a real motive with vengeance as their piece de resistance. And vamp roles have been beautifully portrayed on the telly, infact one can even call then the hot stars at par with movies stars! Bengaluru Chronicle reports on the beautiful vamps and their agendas!

She has been one of the most popular TV artists for over a decade, in various capacities — production on both radio and the small screen. Sujatha Akshaya, the senior artist has numerous TV ventures to her credit including her seasoned experience as a Radio Jockey. However, she had never ventured into a negative character apart from a very small role as a vamp in the past. But, now as Sitara Devi, the most loved vamp in popular serial Radha Ramana, she has tripled her popularity, and even she is amused by its acclaim, “I had never played a negative role or a vamp. While I was thinking of doing something on my own after quitting my radio job, I was offered this role as Sitara Devi. I was initially sceptical but I feel fortunate to have embraced the character. It has given me immense satisfaction apart from huge popularity,” says Sujatha Akshaya.

She adds that the woman portraying negative characters are the driving force of TV shows. “They are the ones who sometimes even outshine lead actors. The audience loves them. Whenever, I step out shopping, people come up to me saying they adore my portrayal of Sitara Devi. They notice every minute characteristic— my bindis, earrings and the way I dress and deliver dialogues.”

Even, TV analyst Subramanya recognises the tremendous popularity of negative women characters. “If a serial director has to convey something sensitive to an audience, it is always the vamp who carries that message. Most lead actors keep changing but it is the vamps who remain in the minds of the audience. Be it Chandrika in Agnisakshi, or Sagari from Puttagowri Maduve, and others,” he adds.

Sujatha even recollects how her son calls, asking about her Sitara character. “Even my husband is curious about Sitara. I just laugh at him saying I need the dialogue writer from the Radha Raman serial. I was never into socialising on the Internet. After essaying Sitara Devi, I had to open an exclusive page for my fans on Facebook, Instgram and so on,” she signs off.