Puja Sharma makes power-packed comeback
Puja Sharma marks her return after a seven-year break with the role of Kanka in Jhanak, a fierce tribal woman from a Naxalite background. Drawing inspiration from her Jharkhand upbringing, Puja embraces the raw and emotionally layered character. This role marks a significant departure from her previous positive leads, offering her the bold and intense comeback she desired.
After a seven-year hiatus, actress
Puja Sharma
is back — and she's returning with fire in her eyes. Known for her memorable roles in Naagin, Jyoti, Dil Se Dil Tak, Mere Angne Mein, and Devon Ke Dev Mahadev, Puja now steps into uncharted territory with Jhanak, playing Kanka — a fierce, grey-shaded tribal woman from a Naxalite backdrop.
'I've played positive leads before, but Kanka is raw, volatile, and emotionally layered,' she shares. 'What made it even more special is how personal it felt. I grew up in Jharkhand, surrounded by tribal women who worked in our home — strong, grounded women whose spirit I've always admired. I didn't need to 'prepare' for Kanka — I just had to feel her.'
In Jhanak, which recently took a leap, Kanka is introduced as a powerful force within a tribal community deeply distrustful of outsiders.
Her soft spot for the head of the tribe — someone she's known since childhood — adds a surprising emotional core to an otherwise fiery character. 'Kanka doesn't play nice — and I love that about her,' Puja says. 'It's the kind of role I was waiting for — not sugar-coated, not safe.'
The sabbatical, she says, was crucial. 'It made me sharper, more grounded. But yes, I missed the chaos of sets, the adrenaline of performance. I needed something bold to come back for — and Jhanak gave me just that.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Having started her journey with Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna in 2008, Puja calls this a 'full-circle moment.' Off-screen too, she's been a recognizable face, having starred in popular ad campaigns too.
But now, the ad-glam has made way for grit — and Puja Sharma is all set to reintroduce herself with the kind of intensity that's hard to ignore.
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