In an era where public figures are often expected to take definitive political or ideological positions, actors frequently find themselves at the centre of debate. Should performers be held accountable for the characters they portray? Or are they simply storytellers inhabiting fictional roles?
In an exclusive conversation, Adah Sharma addressed this ongoing discussion, describing the balance between personal beliefs and on-screen portrayals as “a very thin line.”
“You Are Playing A Character”
Responding to criticism that actors sometimes distance themselves from the politics of their films by saying they are “just playing a character,” Adah acknowledged that performance and personal identity are not the same.
“In real life, I’m a staunch vegetarian and I speak openly about it,” she said, explaining that her personal values remain consistent off-screen. However, she pointed out that cinema often requires actors to portray actions or behaviours they would not endorse personally.
Referencing one of her earlier roles, she noted that performing extreme scenes in a fictional context does not translate to real-life advocacy of those actions.
According to Adah, audiences are intelligent enough to differentiate between a character and the actor behind it.
Responsibility Comes With The Role
While she maintains that actors embody fictional personalities, Adah also recognises a certain responsibility that accompanies public visibility.
She cited examples of playing morally complex or negative characters, including those who consume alcohol or behave recklessly — actions she does not personally support. However, she views such portrayals as part of storytelling rather than endorsements.
“I think there is a sort of line that you draw,” she explained, adding that the boundary is not always clear-cut.
Rejecting Black-And-White Labels
Adah emphasised that acting exists in a grey space. She expressed discomfort with being pushed into binary categories during interviews or public debates.
“There’s no black or white thing when you’re an actor because you’re playing a character who is grey,” she said.
Drawing a parallel to real life, she pointed out that human beings themselves are complex and imperfect. Characters, therefore, must reflect that nuance to feel authentic.
Discussing her role in The Kerala Story, she shared that while some viewers perceived her character as positive and vulnerable, she personally viewed the character as flawed.
“She lies to her parents, runs away, and behaves insolently,” Adah said, recalling a particularly confrontational scene. She clarified that portraying such behaviour does not mean she condones it in real life.
Art, Consequences And Interpretation
Adah believes that context matters. In her view, characters often face consequences for their decisions within the narrative arc. That, she suggests, can serve as a cautionary element for audiences.
She added that she would never encourage young viewers to replicate harmful behaviour depicted on screen. Instead, she hopes stories spark reflection rather than imitation.
Ultimately, Adah concluded that there is no simple yes-or-no answer to the debate. For her, acting involves navigating complexity — portraying flawed individuals while maintaining personal integrity.
“It’s a very thin line,” she reiterated.
