Television and digital actress Asha Negi recently made headlines for her performance in the popular web series Criminal Justice. In a candid interview, she opened up about her acting journey, the challenges of being typecast, and how her character in Criminal Justice brought back mixed emotions from her earlier career days.
Asha Negi first rose to fame with her role in the hit TV serial Pavitra Rishta. Her charming personality and acting skills earned her a loyal fanbase. For years, she played the girl-next-door roles on Indian television. These characters were sweet, emotional, and family-oriented – and audiences loved her for them.
But that love came with a cost: she was being typecast. Producers and directors started offering her similar roles again and again. “I was typecast then,” Asha admits. “After Pavitra Rishta, it became hard to break away from that image. Everyone expected me to be that same kind of emotional, good-hearted girl.”
Breaking the Mold
Wanting to grow as an actor, Asha made a bold decision. She stepped away from regular TV serials and moved toward the world of digital platforms. This transition was not easy. OTT platforms have given many actors a new lease on life, but they also bring fresh challenges.
Her first few roles on digital platforms were different, but not enough. “I tried to take on new characters, but somewhere, I could still see shades of the old roles,” she explains. “It’s hard to change how people see you when you’ve been on their screens every day for years.”
Enter Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice is a critically acclaimed web series that deals with crime, law, and complex human emotions. The show has featured big names like Pankaj Tripathi, Vikrant Massey, and Jackie Shroff. In the latest season, Asha Negi joined the cast with a powerful role.
Her character was layered, intense, and far from the “TV bahu” image she was known for. Yet, even now, she feels the pressure of being typecast. “I might be getting typecast again,” she says. “This time not as the sweet girl, but as the serious, dramatic character. But at least it’s a new type of typecasting,” she laughs.
Why Typecasting Happens
Typecasting is not a new issue in the entertainment industry. It happens when actors become strongly associated with a certain type of role. While this gives them steady work, it can also limit their creative growth.
“Audience memory is strong,” Asha says. “Once they love you in a certain kind of role, they want to see you in that again and again. And producers are scared to take risks. They stick with what works.”
But she also believes that with time and the right scripts, actors can break this cycle. “You just need one role to change everything. One strong, different character – and people will start seeing you in a new light.”
Staying Relevant in the OTT Era
The OTT boom has changed how entertainment works in India. Shows are shorter, stories are sharper, and roles are more realistic. Asha believes this is a good thing. “Today, the script is the hero. If your story is good, everything else falls into place.”
But with more opportunities also comes more competition. Every actor – from newcomers to seasoned stars – wants a slice of the OTT pie. “You have to be choosy but also flexible. It’s a fine balance,” she says.
Dealing with Rejection and Self-Doubt
In the past few years, Asha has faced rejections, just like many others. “There were times when I auditioned and didn’t hear back. I started doubting myself. Was I not good enough? Was I still being seen as that TV girl?”
But she learned to handle it. She focused on improving her craft, took acting workshops, and started watching global content to expand her understanding. “You have to keep learning. The moment you think you know everything, you stop growing,” she shares.
Learning From the Greats
On the set of Criminal Justice, Asha had the chance to work with Pankaj Tripathi, who is known for his powerful acting. “Watching Pankaj sir perform is like attending a live masterclass. He’s so natural, so effortless. I learned so much just by observing him,” she says.
Their scenes together were intense, and she recalls being nervous during the initial days of the shoot. “But he made me feel comfortable. He told me to trust the moment, trust the scene. That advice really stayed with me.”
Fans React Positively
Asha’s fans, who followed her since her Pavitra Rishta days, were pleasantly surprised by her performance in Criminal Justice. Many of them praised her on social media for stepping out of her comfort zone.
“I was scared that people wouldn’t accept me in a bold, grey character. But the response has been heartwarming. It shows that audiences are open to change – if you give them a reason to believe,” she says.
What’s Next for Asha Negi?
Asha is not in a rush to sign her next project. She wants to take her time and choose roles that challenge her. “I’ve realized that good roles are worth the wait. I don’t want to take up anything just for visibility. I want to build a career I can be proud of.”
She’s also considering trying her hand at comedy or thriller genres. “People haven’t seen that side of me yet. I love making people laugh, and I also love mystery stories. So let’s see what the future holds.”
A Message for Young Actors
For those trying to break into the industry, Asha has simple advice: “Be honest with your work. Don’t try to copy others. Everyone’s journey is different. Believe in your uniqueness, and be ready for both success and failure.”
She also encourages new actors to not be afraid of being typecast. “It’s part of the game. Use it as a stepping stone, not a barrier. Each role teaches you something new.”
Asha Negi’s journey from TV soaps to OTT dramas is a story of growth, courage, and constant evolution. Even though she feels the pressure of typecasting again, she’s more confident and aware of her choices now.
With her performance in Criminal Justice, she has taken a big step toward reshaping her image and proving that she’s more than just a TV star. She’s a performer – and a versatile one at that.
As she continues to explore new roles and challenge herself, fans and critics alike are excited to see what she does next. One thing is certain – Asha Negi is here to stay.
