"I'd Rather Wait Than Repeat Myself": Adrija Roy on Choosing Roles That Inspire Growth
Television actress Adrija Roy, who is currently winning hearts as Rahi in Rajan Shahi's Anupamaa, believes that an actor's journey should be defined by growth rather than repetition. At a time when opportunities span television, films, and OTT platforms, she feels every role should offer a fresh challenge and contribute something meaningful to an artist's evolution.
Speaking about the possibility of being typecast after a successful performance, Adrija acknowledges that it is a natural consequence of portraying a memorable character. However, she hopes to continue exploring diverse roles that push her beyond familiar territory.
"When a role becomes popular, people naturally start seeing you in that space because they know you've done it well. I don't blame anyone for that. But as an actor, I would always like to surprise both myself and the audience. I don't want to keep doing the same kind of character again and again. Every role should teach me something different," she said.
The actress admits that choosing the right project is rarely straightforward in an industry where opportunities can be unpredictable. While every performer hopes to have multiple options, she believes the final decision should always be based on the complete creative picture rather than just the role itself.
"Of course, every actor dreams of having plenty of choices, but that's not always how this industry works. Sometimes a good production house offers you a role that may not be exactly what you imagined. In such situations, I think you have to look at the complete picture—the team, the story and what the character brings to the show. There is no right or wrong answer. Every actor has to make the decision that feels right at that moment," she explained.
Adrija also revealed that she has consciously turned down projects that failed to create a genuine creative connection. According to her, believing in a character is essential for delivering an honest and convincing performance.
"Yes, I have said no to a few projects. It wasn't because they were bad, but because I couldn't connect with the characters. If I don't believe in a role, it becomes difficult for me to do justice to it. I would rather wait for something that genuinely excites me," she shared.
Reflecting on the changing landscape of Indian entertainment, Adrija expressed optimism about the increasing number of strong female-led stories being created. She believes audiences are now embracing layered and meaningful women characters more than ever before, encouraging writers and producers to continue exploring richer narratives.
"I think things have changed for the better. Women are getting more layered and meaningful roles now. There is still room for improvement, but the audience is accepting stories led by women, and that's a positive sign for the industry," she said.
For Adrija, the most fulfilling performances are those that leave a lasting impact on viewers. While she values entertainment as an essential part of storytelling, she also hopes the characters she portrays inspire audiences to reflect on life in meaningful ways.
"Entertainment is important because people watch shows to relax, but I also love stories that leave you thinking. Even if one person feels inspired or sees life differently after watching a character, I think that story has done its job. As actors, we have the privilege of reaching millions of people, and I feel that responsibility should never be taken lightly," she concluded.
As her career continues to flourish with Anupamaa, Adrija Roy remains committed to choosing roles that challenge her creatively while connecting deeply with audiences. Guided by authenticity and a desire to evolve, she believes meaningful storytelling will always leave a stronger impression than simply repeating past successes.
