Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai actress Soma Rathod, aka Amma Ji, has delighted fans with her impeccable comic timing. In a candid interview with us, the 38-year-old actress discusses her inspiring journey into acting and overcoming life’s challenges, personally and professionally.
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My journey as an actor in this industry has been like a roller coaster ride. While one has probably heard stories of actresses going under the knife or undergoing weight loss regimes to get into this industry, my story is different as I had to gain weight. When I decided to become an actor and started attending auditions, I was neither too thin nor too fat. Because I did not meet any of the criteria, I was rejected. Then one of my friends suggested I gain weight to be listed among the oversized actors. I gained weight to get noticed by casting directors for plus-size roles that are not so common in our industry, leading to working in the TV industry and on many hit shows like Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai. - Did those rejections stop you from pursuing your career?
Being overweight makes us feel like we don’t belong in this world. People tend to body shame us. We can’t even get clothes our size because they don’t make them. Yes, it was painful, but I never considered quitting my job because of it. But I chose to be strong and made fun of my obesity, so you have no power to make fun of me. Others may not be as courageous as you, but you should always accept and love yourself. - Now when you have registered yourself in the industry. Do you still want to continue doing plus-size characters?
I am thrilled to play Amma Ji because it has given me a distinct identity on Indian television. There are very few people who are in my competition in the industry when it comes to character. So, being overweight, I have the benefit of roles specifically written with me in mind. - Your character, Amma Ji, has become a household name. Were you expecting this kind of love when you started Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai?
I was nervous about playing a mother’s role when the role was offered to me. I was asked to portray the mother of Rohitashv Gour, who is not just 20 years older than me but also 20 years more experienced than me in the industry. But our director, Shashank Bali, and writer Manoj Santoshi persuaded me to take the role because they saw the character’s potential and my involvement. And today, I can’t thank them enough for giving me the character of Amma Ji, which has made me a household name. I personally also enjoy this character. She is someone with whom no one dares to meddle with her. But at the same time, she is someone who supports her Bahu rani most uniquely. Honestly, I want all the real-life Saasu maa to support their Bahu’s in a similar way (laughs). - What kind of bond do you share with Rohitashv and Shubhangi in real life?
My bond with Rohitashv Ji and Shubhangi Atre is beyond anyone’s imagination. We are best friends and partners in crime on set. I have always been a happy, free-spirited, and full-of-life person. At the start, I used to get nervous about sharing the screen with Rohitashv Ji because of his seniority, but he made things much more comfortable, and we now have a strong bond off-screen as well. We try to spend time with each other while we are on set. And I love making funny reels with the cast. I am never bored when they are around. Not just them, but the entire team addresses me as Amma Ji, and I love all of them very much. - What advice would you give to the actors who want to have a career in this industry?
One should have confidence in oneself and the determination to pursue it despite age, body, or gender. Always follow your dreams, however big or small they might be, and never give up.
Watch Soma Rathod as Amma Ji in &TV’s Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, airing every Monday to Friday from 10:30 PM!
