Actor Rajat Verma, who has been part of shows such as Beyhadh 2, Dahej Daasi, Ishq Par Zor Nahi and Jamuniya, says that there are more evolved women characters now on TV. He adds that there is greater depth to their roles.
“We’re getting there. Slowly, but the wave is rising. What excites me is that we’re no longer telling stories about women, we’re letting women tell the stories. Now It’s not just about screen time anymore it’s about screen depth. Women are being written as architects of their own destiny, not just muses or martyrs. And that’s long overdue. As men in the industry, it’s our responsibility to amplify that space, not dominate it,” he says.
Meanwhile he adds that he makes sure to be heard when he doesn’t agree with a certain idea or mindset. “Sometimes the silence in a room can be louder than disagreement. But I’ve learned to speak anyway, respectfully but firmly. Because my voice is an instrument, not just for lines in a script, but for truth behind the scenes too. We should understand that it’s a team work which requires both listening and discussing your ideas,” he says.
Talking about how he chooses his roles, he says, “I am someone who’s always ready to explore and challenge my capabilities. I strongly believe that boundaries construct your craft and learning, you need to try everything and see what makes you really uncomfortable.”
He adds, “I’m deeply inspired by actors like Manoj Bajpayee, Irfan khan, Shabana Azmi. They choose stories like they’re choosing revolutions. There’s a quiet defiance in their roles—a sense that they’re not chasing stardom, they’re chasing truth. These are artists who don’t chase trends; they create them.”
