After a seven-year break from television, actress Puja Sharma has returned to the small screen with a powerful role in Star Plus’ popular show Jhanak. Known for her roles in shows like Naagin, Jyoti, Dil Se Dil Tak, Mere Angne Mein, and Devon Ke Dev Mahadev, Puja is now stepping back into the limelight in a bold new avatar. Her latest role shows a completely different side of her, one that moves away from the positive lead roles she played earlier.

In Jhanak, Puja plays Kanka — a strong, intense tribal woman with a background linked to Naxalism. She described Kanka as ‘raw, volatile, and emotionally layered’ and shared picttures from the set on  Instagram. Puja said the role felt personal because she grew up in Jharkhand, where she was surrounded by tribal women who worked in her home. “They were strong, grounded, and full of spirit — I’ve always admired them. To play Kanka, I didn’t need to prepare much. I just had to feel her,” she reportedly shared.

 
 
 
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A post shared by Puja Sharma (@pujadoesntsharedesserts)

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Kanka enters the show after a major leap in the storyline and stands out as a bold and complex figure within a protective tribal community. Her connection with the tribe’s head, someone she’s known since childhood, adds more emotion to the role. Puja mentioned how she loved that Kanka isn’t meant to be “nice.” Instead, the character is fierce and unapologetic. “It’s not a sugar-coated role, and that’s what I’ve been waiting for,” she added.

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Speaking about her seven-year break, Puja explained that it was much-needed. “The break made me sharper and more grounded. But I missed the chaos of the sets, the energy of performing. I knew I wanted to return only if the role was strong, and Jhanak gave me exactly that,” she said. Her return marks a special moment, especially since she began her TV journey with Star Plus in 2008 with Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna. “It feels like a full-circle moment,” she added.