Meet the hot vamps of Tellyland today! These women are wreaking havoc on the small screen – Times of India

Indian television may have come a long way over the years, but the one thing that has remained constant in fiction shows is the quintessential vamp. She continues to wreak havoc in the lives of your favourite lead actors. Two decades ago, if it was Komolika (Kasautii Zindagii Kay), Ramola Sikand (Kaahin Kissii Roz) or Dr Mandira (Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi), today there is a new set of mean girls ruling the roost. Here’s what they have to say about playing negative
on screen.
Ashlesha Sawant: There is depth to a vamp’s character now

The actress, who has essayed a negative role for the first time in Anupamaa, shares, “The vamp on TV has undergone a change. It is no longer about stylish saris, bindis and just playing the evil one. She is justified in her actions, and there is a depth to her character. People say I am very convincing on screen, and that’s the best compliment for me.”
Pavitraa Puniya: Playing a vamp is also about being sassy, sexy and glamorous

Pavitraa says, “I think playing a vamp is not just about essaying a vicious character, but also being sassy, sexy and glamorous. Earlier, the vamp was sari-clad, but after Yeh Hai Mohabbatein a few years ago, the woman in the power suit also established herself as the vamp. In Nagmani, I wear backless blouses and different costumes, and am playing a bad woman. I am enjoying this role.”
Kamya Punjabi: Vamps are not just about shouting & raising eyebrows

Kamya Panjabi, who essays the role of Didun, a brothel owner in Neerja – Ek Nayi Pehchaan, shares, “I have played a vamp earlier, too. My role, Sindura in Banoo Main Teri Dulhan, in 2006, became so popular that I used to see people wearing similar bindis and saris on the streets. I believe vamps should move away from shouting or raising eyebrows; the focus should be on playing your character with conviction.”
Isha Malviya: Jasmine is evil; women in Punjab hated me for it

The Udaariyaan actress played a negative role in her debut TV show. Isha shares, “My character Jasmine is evil, but I have made an impact. I never realised my character would become so popular that women in Punjab would hate me! The challenge was to essay an antagonist at a young age. I did not have many references, and that made it a difficult role to play.”
Tina Phillip: There’s no fun without negative characters

Tina says, “Earlier, I used to essay positive roles, but in the last few years, I have realised negative roles drive the show. Villains are extravagant, and there’s no fun in a show without them. My character, Rhea, in Kumkum Bhagya, kept the lead pair apart and that added to the drama. When you think of vamps on TV, Urvashi Dholakia, who played Komolika, comes to your mind instantly, but I feel that in recent years, there have been other actresses who have also played their parts well.”
Maera Misshra: The vamp adds spice to a love story

Maera, who plays Mallishka in Bhagyalakshmi, says, “Many TV shows revolve around love triangles. The other woman, who is usually the vamp, adds spice as she brings drama to the show. My character, Mallishka, is obsessed with a man who is not in love with her. I have taken lessons from actresses who have played vamps on TV. It’s not easy when you’re portraying an aggressive character. Honestly, it affects me personally. But I consider myself lucky to have got an opportunity to play a role with many shades.”