​Papia Sengupta: Today, characters are written with depth and realism in TV

Papia Sengupta is currently seen playing the role of Kanchan Chotwani in Jamai No 1. Talking about her role, she says, ", I knew I was stepping into a character that would challenge me in new ways. Kanchan is a powerhouse—a woman of strength and fierce authority. Playing her has been both exhilarating and deeply rewarding."
Over the years, television has witnessed a significant shift in storytelling. The actress points that out and shares, "I believe audiences today appreciate complexity. They don’t want characters to be simply good or bad; they want to see real emotions and complex roles as well."
She also noted that television now offers stronger, more independent female characters. Papia adds, “Earlier, mother-in-law roles were often either extremely cruel or overly righteous. But today, characters are written with depth and realism. Viewers are smarter and more invested in narratives that feel real. Shows today are breaking stereotypes, addressing social issues, and allowing actors to portray more nuanced roles.”
Having played a variety of roles in shows like Anamika, Shubh Shagun and Chandra Nandini, Papia considers Kanchan to be a defining role in her career. “I have had the privilege of portraying diverse roles but I must say, playing Kanchan is a defining moment for me. She has pushed me to explore different facets of acting—power, restraint, and raw emotion. The challenge of portraying such a commanding yet vulnerable woman has been an enriching experience.”