Talking point

Why did you choose to take up this comic role?

After playing the role of Gattu in Baa,Bahoo Aur Baby,I wanted to do a role that was better than that. I got a lot of offers — 18 to be precise — but nothing as interesting as my new role. Also,J D Majethia is an old friend and I trusted his vision blindly.

You have been away from TV for a while now. What kept you so busy?

I went to University of Southern California,Los Angeles,to do a film-making course. Director Steven Spielberg and George Locus were members of the faculty and it was an amazing experience.

You have mostly done comic roles. Is that a conscious decision?

I am not hung-up on any particular genre. And I believe that every character has more than one shade to it. Gattu,for example,had various pathos to him. He was funny,warm and emotional. He also displayed few bouts of anger.

What is your take on comedy as a genre,now?

Comedy is the toughest genre of the lot. There are very few actors who can do good comedy. Almost all actors can do drama and make the viewers cry. But to make someone laugh,is very difficult. I am glad that I am looked as someone who can do a comic role.

You are also a very known facein theatre.

I enjoy performing on stage — in front of a live audience more than anything. It gives you a different thrill altogether. Theatre has helped me a lot in my acting career as well. As a theatre artist,we practice for months. But over time I have realised that for an actor,the medium doesn’t matter.

Of all the roles you have played,which one’s your favourite?

Gattu is very close to my heart for the kind of response and reaction the character received. Now,I have started enjoying this new role,Mrs Tendulkar.

You have been a part of the television industry for more than a decade. How do you think it has changed?

When I had just begun working,we had some amazing shows like Zabaan Sambhaal Ke,Buniyaad and Hum Log. I, personally try and retain that flavour in the shows I direct,produce or act in. Of late,there is a lot of focus on rural-based shows and I think that it is a great shift. The viewers have increased as TV is within everyone’s reach.

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