I don't like expensive actors- Ekta

Mumbai: The phenomenon called recession has hit everybody possible, and Ektaa Kapoor is no exception.

Going by current trends, all the shows of Balaji Telefilms seem to be featuring only newcomers. Needless to say, it saves costs in a big way. Of course, Ektaa has her own reasons. "It's great to work with newcomers who have fire in their belly and are really passionate about their work. All of them want to make it big on the small screen," she says.

However, the only exception she's made is for Ronit Roy (who is supposedly the highest paid actor on TV), by repeating him in her recent show Bandini.

"I don't have any problem working with someone like Ronit. I know he charges a lot of money, but he's a committed worker. I don't like expensive actors who are not committed to their work. Simple," she explains.

What about her protgs who ruled the hearts of TV audiences for years like Smriti Irani, Sakshi Tanwar and Shweta Tiwari? "I would not like to call them protgs because they have all grown beyond their characters and are busy with different projects."

Any new projects she's planning with any of the three? "I am thinking of a few concepts but won't be able to talk about it," is her cryptic, almost evasive reply.

Ektaa is very excited about her new show Koi Aane Ko Hai which she prefers to term as 'socio-horror'. "It's not about 'bang-bang' horror with screams and special effects. We kept SFX to the minimal level and are giving more emphasis to the stories which are are all based on true incidents from different parts of the country."

There has been a strong perception that she is highly superstitious. Is she? "I call them my beliefs. Let people believe whatever they want to, I don't bother whether they believe in my beliefs or not. I must explain that it doesn't mean that I am not connected with the real world. Also, I don't believe in things a cat crossing the road," she explains.

Ektaa was apparently advised by her family astrologer to stay away from the media and public events till July 10. How come she is talking? "These people have forced me to talk about my show (referring to the channel Colors)," she sighs.

So, is she going to sidestep this particular advice altogether? "I don't know as yet. I'll let you know once all this gets over, she winks.