Vedika Pinto turns down roles similar to ‘Musafir Cafe’ character, says 'want to avoid stereotypes'

Actor Vedika Pinto is enjoying the recognition that has followed Musafir Cafe, but she is determined not to let the success of her character Sudha define the roles she takes up next. Pinto revealed that she has already rejected a project because the part was too similar to Sudha, saying she wants to use the momentum generated by the show to challenge herself as a performer.

Pinto admitted that the initial response to Musafir Cafe made her consider remaining within the same genre because audiences had responded warmly to her performance. She eventually decided against repeating the formula and is now looking for characters markedly different from Sudha. “I also feel like I have the liberty to pick a choice that challenges me as an actor,” she said, adding that she wants her next work to be “quite polarising to Sudha”.

Looking beyond Sudha

The actor said she remains attached to the character that brought her widespread recognition and will have an opportunity to keep Sudha alive through the second season of Musafir Cafe. At the same time, she believes taking contrasting roles is important to prevent herself from being typecast.

Pinto pointed to the tendency within the film industry to associate actors with a particular kind of role once it becomes successful. She wants to avoid being placed in that mould and believes the continuing presence of Sudha in Musafir Cafe gives her greater freedom to explore different characters elsewhere.

Career gathers momentum

The success of the show has also brought greater consistency to Pinto’s professional life. She said this is the first phase of her career in which work has become continuous, describing the experience as hectic, chaotic and enjoyable even as she adjusts to the demands that accompany greater visibility.

While Pinto welcomes the recognition and hopes to continue building an audience, she said improving as a performer remains central to her ambitions. Rather than simply capitalising on the popularity of one successful character, the actor wants to sharpen her craft and ultimately be recognised for the quality and range of her performances.