Exclusive: Its sad that reality show winners don't get work later; have experienced it, says Apsara Aali winner Madhuri Pawar

Popular Marathi TV actress Madhuri Pawar, who is also the winner of popular reality show 'Apsara Aali', poured her heart out in a recent conversation with ETimes TV. The actress, who was also part of the TV show Devmanus, spoke about her journey in the industry. Madhuri also spoke about her life after winning a reality show, not getting any work, and facing rejections from reality show makers for not having a storyline in life.

-Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

Talking about her decision of stepping into the industry, Madhuri said, "I am the only one who has done MBA in my family. There are people in my family who are not well educated or have any degree. But I had immense love for studies since childhood and also for dance and acting. So I started doing more shows and programmes on TV" (PC - Instagram)

Madhuri revealed a surprising incident that happened in her life where she faced rejection from the reality show for not having an emotional storyline or happening incidents in life. Madhuri elaborated, "I auditioned for Maharashtracha Super Dancer TV show. It was a popular show. I auditioned and showcased my dancing skills during auditions but later they rejected me saying I do not have a strong solid life story. I don't understand these days why the makers are focusing only on the life story of the contestants rather than their skills? Is it mandatory to have a life story in the background? This is a game of TRPs but I think the judges and the makers of any reality show should first see the skills. It's sad that many talented people still don't get platforms because they do not have a solid life story" (PC - Instagram)

Madhuri won the dance reality show Apsara Aali and she said, "I auditioned for the show Apsara Aali but I knew I won't get any call back from the people because I thought they will too reject me. But I got a call and got selected. I performed my best on the show and enjoyed the three months. I won the show. People wished me, have received many wishes. People also celebrated my win at my hometown in Satara. But the main journey started after that." (PC - Instagram)

Talking about not getting any work post her win, Madhuri said, "I won the show Apsara Aali but nothing happened after the show. I was the girl who was working 24/7, attended many events when the show was on air but was workless after the show. There is one fact which I still feel is true. It's fine we win the reality show and get fame but it's a sad fact that reality show winners do not get work later. I have experienced that by myself. The winner's craze only lasts for two to three months and later everybody forgets them. There have been many reality shows on Marathi TV but where are the winners now? what are they doing? Most of them are sitting idle and asking for work. That's a sad truth" (PC - Instagram)

Madhuri Pawar was in depression for not getting work post her win. Madhuri said, "I was into depression when I was sitting idle. I started doing more videos on social media. And that medium helped me to overcome my depression. I became social media star overnight. But again it's a bad thing that people know me or remember me as a social media star rather than the winner of a reality show or an actress. As an artist, it's a sad thing". (PC - Instagram)

Madhuri's Chanda character from Devmanus is most popular among TV viewers, she said, "It was a milestone of my career. Though the role was a small role bu I got so much from the show. Now the second part is airing and let us see whether people get a chance to see me again" (PC - Instagram)

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar