I want to be where Shah Rukh is: Maninee Mishra

New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) Popular television actor Maninee Mishra, who shot to fame as the ditsy Pari in Sony TV's 'Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin', considers Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan her idol.

'I want to reach where Shah Rukh is today. He comes across as a wonderful person. The fact that he is able to attract affection and adulation from innumerable people is commendable. I just wish to emulate him in every way,' Maninee told IANS in a phone interview.

Maninee is a firm believer in god and destiny.

'God has a plan for every individual. We must only strive to achieve what we have to. He takes care of the rest.'

Abiding by her dictum, Maninee never plans the course of her career or personal life. She is confident the lord will decide the best for her.

Maninee has narrowed down the nature of roles she wants to portray in the future.

'I don't wish to be seen on television all the time. Instead, I prefer a five-minute appearance in a rare and challenging role for which I can be remembered for the next 50 years. I want to do roles which are unlike me,' said the actor who is seen these days in 'Dhak Dhak in Dubai' on 9x and 'Naagin' on Zee TV.

She does not support television programmes highlighting 'archaic' issues such as the one shown on STAR Plus' 'Sapna Babul Ka...Bidaai'. The show, based on the trials and tribulations that a dark girl in India faces in marrying, drives home a very wrong message, said the actress.

'I am very confident about my colour. It has never deterred me from achieving anything in life. Such serials sensationalise colour discrimination and, even though the serial is that of a friend, I totally condemn the idea.'

'TV is a medium with a wide reach and viewers consider actors role models. Hence, one must realise the responsibility of portraying a certain character,' she said.

Her forthcoming projects include dialogue writer Ashwini Dhir's 'Astitva' on Doordarshan. She plays the role of a deglamourised woman in the daily soap.

Commenting on her future plans, Maninee said: ' I want to do more and more films, write books for children and wish to own my 'Mannat' (Shah Rukh's house) some day.'