Meghna Malik, popularly known as Ammaji from Na Aana Is Desh Laado, was in town for the first anniversary celebrations of the entertainment channel Colors. Expressing her views on Laado, Malik says, “It’s been great being a part of the show. As far as my experience of working in the serial is concerned, it has always been positive. But on the other hand, I feel it is the kind of show which, along with providing entertainment, acts as an eye-opener to many.”

Now that she has been associated with a character that is all for female infanticide in Laado, what is Malik’s view on the issue? “I am thoroughly against the practise. But the fact remains that it is prevalent across our country. It’s sad when people wish to have a male child even in this day and age. It is an extremely inhuman practice and needs to be dealt with sternly,” she asserts.

And what does Malik think about subjecting characters to mental harassment, sometimes ruthlessly? Does it not affect viewers, in one way or the other? “Agreed,” says Malik. “But we know where we need to draw a line. At times, we understand that to comply with the script, we have to end up doing a little more than required. However, it is only under such situations that viewers can differentiate between good and evil,” she adds.

On being asked whom does she consider her competitor, Malik replies nonchalantly, “We actors tend to compete with ourselves. If we manage to do justice to the script and get appreciation from viewers, it serves as a stimulus for us to work harder. No actor ever competes with another.”

Colors, on the occasion of its first anniversary, is also funding iDiscoveri to sponsor schools which impart education to all. It’s an initiative to ensure world-class education to every child and revamp the educational system in India.