Talking point

And what role do you play on the show?
I play a once-popular Gujarati theatre actress who’s fallen upon bad days,but still has delusions of grandeur. She initially scorns the idea of playing the hero’s mother saying that she’s played the mother of people like Shivaji Maharaja,so she can’t stoop to essay the same role for an ordinary person. But because of her dire financial condition,she ultimately agrees to the scheme.

You’re in Gujarati theatre yourself. Did you call upon your own observations to flesh out this character?
I did base this character on some fantastic,but old actors,who’re being neglected these days. Nobody casts them anymore,but when they do go on stage,they’re simply amazing.

Would you call theatre your first love?
I don’t like rating these things. Theatre is my training ground and I’ll be on stage every night,because I love being in front of an audience. Even now I’m busy with rehearsing for the upcoming shows of my play U Turn. But that said,TV has given me so much fame and recognition. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself there too. Even now,when I walk out of the house,people come up to me and say,“We loved you in so-and-so show,” and it feels great to hear that.

Your most popular role to date has been that of Savita Virani on Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. was it easy to shed that tag?
I did some great work even after my character died on Kyunki. I had a pivotal role in Saat Phere,and then I was back with Balaji for Karam Apna Apna. But yes,people still see me as Savita and it’s something I’m proud of. After all,there hasn’t been a TV serial on the scale of Kyunki and that show has given me a lot.