When you play positive characters, you often take positive things from them: Sayantani Ghosh

Sayantani Ghosh, who is seen as Vindhya Devi in Ravindra Gautam and Raghuvir Shekhawat’s Dahej Daasi, which is produced under their banner Do Dooni 4 Films, feels that while an actor contributes to a character by bringing them to life, the character also helps an actor on an individual level.

She said, “We do take certain things from our on-screen characters. For example, in one of my shows,the character Neela really stood out because she broke the typical mindset people have about stepmothers. Usually, people think a stepmom is someone who could never truly love her stepchildren, but Neela shattered that stereotype. Her character was so well received and is still loved by the audience today. She showed that you can genuinely love someone else’s biological child as your own, and that was something that really helped me grow as a person.”

“In my personal life, I have a godson who isn’t my biological child, but he is my son in every way that matters—from my heart and soul. So, when I portrayed Naila, it helped me reflect on my own experiences. Playing her made me understand how love and care aren’t limited to biological connections, and that’s a lesson that contributed to my growth. When you play positive characters, you often take positive things from them. And when you play negative or challenging characters, you learn what not to do. It’s a two-way street: you bring something to the character, and the character helps you grow as a person,” she added.

Sayantani also stressed that it is important for an actor to draw a line between their real and reel selves. “It’s good, especially for your own sanity. Sometimes, if you get too deeply involved in your character, it can really mess with your mental peace.”

Sharing her personal experience, she said that being a workaholic, I am constantly thinking about work. “It wasn’t fair to my family. You need to be able to switch off for the sake of your loved ones and your surroundings.It’s important to realize that your character is just that—fiction. You need to step back and return to your real life. But, having said that, it’s always a work in progress,” she said.

“For someone like me, who is very dedicated to work and often consumed by it, it’s not easy. Work isn’t just a part of my life—it’s my identity. I started working when I was around 18 or 19, so for me, work is a big part of my existence. It’s a challenge, and I’m constantly working on keeping my work and personal life separate. But, yes, it’s important to do that for your mental well-being,” she ended.