Abigail Pande on Breaking TV Stereotypes: “You’re Either a Bahu or a Vamp”

Abigail Pande has long been associated with the quintessential ‘good girl’ image on television. But with Missing Priya, the actor steps into a darker, more layered space. The crime thriller, launched on Ektaa R Kapoor’s OTT platform Kutingg, sees Pande playing a flawed lead — a departure from the idealised roles she portrayed on TV.

Describing the titular character as complex and imperfect, Abigail believes that the traditional portrayal of women on television often lacks realism.

“I like characters who are not entirely positive or negative because that’s how real people are. Everyone has shades. In Missing Priya, she is neither a goody-two-shoes nor evil. She is flawed, and that makes her interesting,” she shared in a recent interview.

Why She Said Yes to Missing Priya

The actor revealed that she was approached for the thriller when Balaji announced its new OTT venture. A self-confessed fan of crime dramas, Abigail said the script immediately intrigued her.

“I’ve never done a full-fledged thriller before. Since I enjoy watching the genre, I thought if it surprises me as an audience member, I’d want to be part of it. The way the story unfolds, especially the climax, convinced me instantly,” she explained.

Moving Beyond the ‘Adarsh Bahu’

After years of playing the ideal daughter-in-law on television, Abigail admits the space started feeling repetitive.

“Of course, it became monotonous at some point. But I also cherish television. There’s something comforting about going to the same set every day and working with the same team. That routine becomes home,” she said.

However, she felt the need to evolve creatively.

“I believed I could push myself further as an actor. OTT allows you to explore themes that television cannot — whether it’s intensity, violence, or emotional depth. Right now, my focus is performance-oriented roles.”

When asked what she means by “performance-oriented,” Abigail clarified that she seeks layered, human characters rather than one-dimensional portrayals.

“On TV, women are often boxed into extremes — you’re either the virtuous bahu or the vamp. That’s unfair because women are far more nuanced. Life isn’t black and white,” she noted.

Missing Romance on Screen

Abigail also expressed nostalgia for classic television love stories.

“I genuinely miss romance. Growing up, we had shows like Kasautii Zindagii Kay and Kkavyanjali. Today, many shows follow similar patterns. I wish we had more original love stories instead of remakes,” she said.

She added that she would welcome a revival of the medical drama Zindagi Wins, which aired in 2015. “I was really hoping for another season. I’d love to be part of it if it ever comes back,” she shared.

On Self-Doubt in the Industry

Beyond roles and genres, Abigail spoke candidly about dealing with insecurity in a competitive field.

“We should normalise self-doubt. Every actor tries to present a strong image on social media, but the industry can be isolating and unstable. There are moments when you question everything. That’s when you need to hold on to faith the most,” she reflected.

With Missing Priya, Abigail Pande signals a conscious shift toward layered storytelling — stepping beyond stereotypes and embracing complexity.