I’d Rather Wait Than Repeat Roles: Adrija Roy on Acting Choices

In a recent conversation, she addressed the risk of typecasting that often follows popular performances. “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 explained.

Roy acknowledged the challenges of decision-making in an unpredictable profession. “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 noted.

The actress has demonstrated willingness to prioritise quality over immediate opportunities. “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.

Roy expressed optimism about the changing landscape for female characters in Indian television. “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 observed.

For Roy, the most rewarding aspect of acting lies in creating lasting impact. “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.

Her selective approach to roles reflects a maturing perspective among television actors who seek substance alongside visibility. As Rahi in Anupamaa, Adrija Roy continues to explore complex emotional territories, demonstrating her commitment to meaningful performances.

Industry professionals note that such deliberate career choices often lead to more sustainable and fulfilling artistic journeys. Roy’s emphasis on creative satisfaction and audience connection positions her as a thoughtful voice among the new generation of television talents.