After playing negative leads in Yeh Hai Chahatein and Pyaar Ki Raahein, Muskaan Kataria explored a different side of her acting with a positive lead in Mann Sundar. She is now back in a negative avatar as Mayuri in Kyunki Rishton Ke Bhi Roop Badalte Hain. Having portrayed contrasting characters, the actress is keen to take on roles that allow her to explore different shades as a performer rather than be confined to a particular image.‘I would have been happy to explore another positive role’Muskaan enjoyed playing a softer character in Mann Sundar and would have welcomed a similar role, but Mayuri’s characterisation appealed to her, offering a fresh set of emotional and dramatic possibilities. She says, “Mann Sundar gave me a chance to explore a softer side of myself as an actor. With negative roles, you are often driving the conflict, so playing someone whose emotions and intentions come from a different place was a refreshing change. I enjoyed that shift, and it reminded me how much I enjoy discovering different sides of a character. I would have been happy to explore another such role, but I hadn’t decided that my next character had to be positive. I want to keep my options open and choose roles that give me something to look forward to as an actor. Mayuri did that for me.”She was drawn to Mayuri’s strong presence and the impact her choices have on the story, along with the scope the role offers her as a performer. She says, “I wasn’t consciously looking to return to a negative role. Mayuri came along, and I found her interesting. Having worked with the team earlier, there was also a sense of familiarity. For me, the decision was about the character and what I could bring to her. Mayuri has a strong presence, and her choices have an impact on the story. That gives me a lot to work with. The challenge is to understand why she does what she does, even when you don’t agree with her. I also wanted to find something distinct about her so that she doesn’t feel like a repeat of the characters I’ve played before.”Muskaan is keen to experiment with different shades on screen rather than be identified with a particular kind of character, and hopes to keep surprising viewers. “Honestly, I enjoy both. Negative roles allow you to explore emotions and reactions that are very different from your own, while positive roles have their own emotional challenges. I wouldn’t want to limit myself to either. I’d love for people to see my name in a cast and wonder what kind of character I’m going to play this time,” she concludes.