'I have no plans to quit Kasturi' - Shubangi Atre

Usually people go on leave after having a baby however, this lady followed the other way round. Meet Shubangi Atre, better known as Kasturi in the Indian television world and one of the most hardworking, popular and natural actresses in the industry today. She started working in Kasturi when Ashi, her daughter was just two months old.

It is difficult to reach her on her cell. "Most people find it difficult to believe, but the location where we shoot on most days has very poor cell connectivity," says an apologetic Shubangi. Thankfully India-Forums managed to track her down at a time when cell phone connectivity did not play spoilsport.

Of late, stories of her quitting the popular serial Kasturi have been doing rounds and the actress quells all such rumors. "I have no plans of quitting Kasturi and my entire concentration is on my role in the serial. It has taken a very interesting turn too," confirms Shubangi and then adds, "Yes I am definitely open to new roles." She also puts to rest the buzz about her asking for extra increment and taking leave. “Yes my cell was switched off for seven days but not because I didn’t want to work. I was not well. I definitely was on leave but not because of the increment. That part has been resolved with the production house,” says Shubangi.

In Kasturi, currently Shubangi's role is that of a lady who has forgotten her past and lost her mental balance. Her makeup, way of talking and behaving is completely different from what the Kasturi viewers are used to seeing and reminds you more of Sridevi in Sadma. "Believe me, I have not seen Sadma and there is no ways I can imitate her though have heard a lot about the film," explains Shubangi.

Her portrayal of the role in Kasturi has been widely acclaimed by all. "I am trying my best. If viewers like my portrayal of the character, two people are responsible for it, my daughter Ashi and my on-screen mother Roopa Ganguly. While Ashi is my inspiration, I have learned a lot from Roopa. She has taught me on how to act, how to respond to different camera angles and how to handle situations," says Shubangi.

On asking about Ashi, the doting mother comes out with a candid reply, "Before I leave for work in the morning, I play for some time with her. Unfortunately, by the time I am back, she is asleep. However, she has started understanding that Mama will come on television at 9.30 in the evening!" Shubangi's daughter stays with her parents in Mumbai. "My father in-law is a doctor, so my mom in-law is busy with him. My husband is in the corporate sector, thus it is not feasible for either of them to look after my daughter. So my parents have taken up this responsibility. I am grateful to them," explains Shubangi.

"Three people in this industry are responsible for my success, my portfolio photographer, Shobha Aunty and Ekta. If it weren't for them, I would not have been in this industry," says she who has plans of participating in a reality show sooner or later.

Reporter and Author: Srabanti Chakrabarti