Exclusive! "I was too skeptical whether the viewers would accept me with a dusky complexion," says Muddulakshmi fame Ashvini

Exactly after a year since the daily soap 'Muddulaksmi' concluded its journey on Kannada television, actress Ashvini is back in action. Ashvini is seen in a brand new avatar with the extended version of the Muddulakshmi which is currently titled, 'Muddumanigalu'. The actress is presently essaying the character of 'Jhanavi', who is likely to be Muddulakshmi's reincarnation after she breathed her last in a tragic accident in season one of the daily soap.
Speaking about the ongoing track of Muddumanigalu in a quick chat with ETimes TV, Ashvini shared, "As Jhanavi in Muddumanigalu, I am exploring the other side of what I essayed as Muddulakshmi earlier. While Muddulakshmi was that typical girl next door, Jhanavi is chirpier and a very happening youngster. This all-new avatar has left the viewers in a very confused state."
She further opened up by saying, "Well, to put an end to all the confusion, this is the re-birth of Muddulaksmi. The story has taken a major leap of several years in the show. Jhanavi is the reincarnation of Muddulakshmi, who is back to complete her story in Muddumanigalu. To be more precise, this is the beauty and the magic of a fiction show. Whatever cannot be witnessed in the reality, we just get connected with fiction."
Speaking more about it, Ashvini added, "Muddulakshmi turned out to make an emotional connection with the viewers. In fact, it created a new wave on Kannada television by introducing the story of a dusky girl. Now, coming back to the extended version of the daily soap, that is, 'Muddumanigalu', it feels so responsible and challenging. I really don't know how viewers are going to accept me as Jhanvani. But, I am here to give my best and win their hearts again."
Muddulakshmi came in as a blessing to me.
"Muddulakshmi ended on a tragic note. I was emotionally connected with the show. It was a long-run show that went on to air 1200 episodes successfully amidst all odds. So, definitely, it did take a lot of time for me to come to terms with the show concluded its journey. Muddulakshmi came in as a blessing to me as I played the titular role in it. I can proudly say that I was a part of a very beautiful show."
Considering the fact that Muddulakshmi has taken a major leap of several years in the show and is re-tirled as 'Muddumanigalu', little did Ashvini know that she would be making her presence felt in the extended version of the initial daily soap.
"After Muddulakshmi ended, I never thought I would ever be making a comeback in the extended version of the show. Interestingly, my comeback in Muddumanigalu happened on the exact date when I started my journey as Muddulakshmi in 2018. I feel it's all the positive signs the universe has planned for me. I feel so grateful to connect with these."
She takes a stroll down memory lane and recalls the initial days of Muddulakshmi.
"I was very conscious during the initial days of Muddulakshmi. I was too skeptical whether the viewers would accept me with a dusky complexion. Not everyone gives that attention to a dusky girl. But, as the show started earning popularity, things changed. Many started to recognise me in a very respectful manner. They would talk about my on-screen character and share their opinion as well. I really felt blessed to have done perfect justice to my role in Muddulakshmi."
Further, Ashvini opens up about discrimination owing to the skin appearance of an individual.
"Even today, there are times when I feel too conscious with regard to my skin hue. Not just in the industry, the concept of fair looking person is more attractive than a dusky complexion still exists everywhere. I have also experienced that discrimination in my life. I feel this should not let anyone affect their confidence. See, as an actress, I may be looked upon for my works now. But, it's not the same case with everyone. There are many who are facing a lot of various challenges owing to their dusky complexion. I am dusky and very proud of it," she shares.
When quizzed about how has life been post-Muddulakshmi went off-air, Ashvini shared, "Life has been an emotional roller coaster. When Muddulaksmi went off-air, I expected that I would be getting better opportunities. But, it did not happen that way. Since I have chosen to be in this field, I opted to wait for the doors to open. Nevertheless, coming back to the same show with the extended version is refreshing."
She summed up by saying. "As an actor, every artist is open to taking up challenging roles in their career. I am sure most of them will agree with this. Likewise, I do not have any limitations in exploring my acting skills. I am up for any character that comes my way. if I find it interesting, I will definitely give it a nod and take it forward."