From Zoya’s grandmother in Ishaqzaade to Damayanti or Dadi in the popular show Panchayat Season 3 , actress Abha Sharma has come a long way. The 75-year-old actress from Lucknow stealed her way into hearts with her persistent questions ‘Ghar mil jayega na, Sachiv ji’. Her dialogue ‘Andar se mann kuchh achha nahi lag raha hai’ in the show have today made this Lucknowite a household name.
Flashing her endearing smile, Abha takes in her popularity with a tad surprise, remarking, “Mujhe toh vishwaas hi nahi hota ki mera character itna popular ho gaya hai. Log mujhe itna pyaar denge, maine kabhi socha nahi tha.” In conversation with Lucknow Times, at her quaint home in the busy bylanes of Lal Kuan near Hussainganj, the actress shares insights into her acting journey, which was born out of loneliness.
Reflecting on her early days, Abha says, “I started acting to fill the emptiness of living alone and, honestly, for financial reasons too. My first step into this world was through a bank ad. I remember the first time I went to the audition—they asked me to show my profile, and I had no idea what that even meant! I was completely unfamiliar with the process, but somehow, I got selected.
” Having spent her childhood and younger days in the company of literary luminaries Sumitra Nandan Pant, Nirala Ji, Ramai Kaka, Amrit Lal Nagar, among others who would visit her home to meet her uncle, Abha’s interest in literature and arts is still alive which led her to become an arts teacher. Abha Sharma in a scene from Panchayat ‘Initially I had refused the role of Dadi which has made me so popular’ Speaking on her breakthrough role in Panchayat, which she auditioned for with the help of a neighbour, Abha said, “I never thought such a small role would bring me so much recognition. It exceeded my expectations.
But that’s the beauty of acting—you never know what will resonate with people.” She adds, “Funny thing is initially when I got to know about the role of Dadi, I did not want to do it. I had refused the role, but an actor Anurag Shukla, who calls me didi, he convinced to at least give an audition.
So I made a tape and he sent it to the production house. I was told to drape the sari in a particular way and I did that for the audition. Later, I got to know I was selected for the role.
Everyone on the Panchayat team, from the director to the actors, made it a wonderful experience. "I never imagined I’d become this popular! Now, people recognize me when I’m out, whether it’s at the airport or around Lucknow. It’s such a wonderful feeling.
Once, I was at Janeshwar Mishra Park and people suddenly started gathering around me, telling me how much they loved my character. It was overwhelming but also so rewarding." ‘Been fortunate to work with talented people’ Abha’s career officially began around 2007 when she started exploring theater and commercials.
“I was part of a few plays in Lucknow, like Charandas Chor. My journey in Mumbai began with an ad in 2008. After 2015, I worked on different projects in UP, including Sudhir Mishra ’s productions.
In 2023, I got selected for Sanjay Mishra ’s film Durlabh Prasad ki Dusri Shaadi .” Sharma describes the transition from films to web series as exciting. “I’ve been really fortunate to work with talented and cooperative people.
” ‘I have had my share of struggles in my life' My mother did not like me being an actor so I did not pursue it till she was alive. Although my father and brother did support me and would say you go ahead and do your own thing, but I did not want to go against my mother’s wishes. I looked after her as she was paralysed.
My siblings had gotten married and settled into their lives. But managing a job and my mother was a very difficult thing. All of this as well as financial problems took a toll on me.
I also fell sick and I lost my teeth at a very young age due to an infection. Another bout of illness caused my hands to shake so much that I had to give up my job as an arts teacher. But I feel the less you think about those bad days, the better it is.
I feel those days of troubles have made me a stronger prson today. When most people retire, I, with a toothless mouth, heavy weight and little experience started a career in theatre in my 50s. All I can say is that I am grateful to the people who put their confidence in me and helped me pursue my passion.
"I had my doubts about going to Mumbai. I thought the city was filled with so many talented artists, and I thought to myself that director mujhe nikal denge. But when I gave my first shot, the director liked my work and that gave me a lot of confidence about working there.
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