They come second in the pecking order of actors – the B-list actors in your daily soap. But for me they are what they are -actors. And often they are far superior to the A-list. And when this happens, it’s time to look beyond the leads. We are so obsessed with actors who play lead roles that the next important set of actors often goes unnoticed. They may be the satellites that revolve around the planet but more often than not outshine them. But how many of us even bother to know their names? I have noticed many a talented actor play parallel leads. And how! In most cases they have just out-shadowed the leads and at times even excelled themselves. It often happens that when you do not get your fair share you push your boundaries to an extent that viewers have no choice but to sit up and take note. Not that these actors need your approval because they would not have been there, providing ample support to the lead cast, if not for their talent. I do not care much for labels like ‘character artistes’, ‘B-list artises’ or at times even the derogatory ‘sidekick’. If you have been glued to the small screen in the past few weeks and have been following some of the popular serials many of the parallel leads may have caught your attention. And on top of this heap is Madhurjeet Sargi aka Santosh of Na Aana Iss Des Laado. The current track revolves around her and she has been just about perfect. Putting up a great show of talent, she compels you to watch her. I can even go a step ahead and laud the efforts of the team of this show for having put together a great ensemble cast. Almost everyone who is playing a lesser role there is displaying a great deal of talent. Yet another show that has very refined performers playing parallel roles is the dying Balika Vadhu. Almost all of them, Anoup Soni, Satyajit Sharma, Bhairavi Raichura, Smita Bansal are all known names and have a great body of work behind of them but it’s also actors –Amar Sharma and Asmita Sharma -- who play Shyam’s parents who need a pat on their backs for turning in natural performances. In fact, Asmita is also seen in a significant role in the Star Plus show, Pratigya. The name, Rasika Joshi, may not ring familiar to television watchers. But theatre aficionados definitely know her. Playing the role of Tarulata (Dharamraj Mahiyavanshi’s sister) she has been essaying the role so effortlessly that it is a delight to watch her. And you have Sushmita Mukherjee in Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo while Sasural Genda Phool has a host of actors but those who aren’t lost in the crowd are Supriya Pilgaonkar (the eldest daughter-in-law) and Shruti Ulfat (the second daughter-in-law). Both these women are so natural; not a tad OTT that the show becomes a must-watch for all the right reasons. There have been many such actors who have stood out despite portraying smaller roles. And I believe that to stand out within the short time span and screen space given to you is what makes you a true-blue performer. To catch viewer attention in that fleeting moment is what separates the boys from the men, the actors from the wannabes and the amateurs from the professionals. Read more...