Remember Saif's GF in DCH

She's plays the snooty Suraiya of Beintihaa on Colors and Suchitra Pillai seems to carry of the role with effortless ease. The actress, who plays a hip, high society South Mumbai lady, said that it was a role that she was only too glad to take up. "I had even suggested I stop colouring my hair and sport some grey strands for the role. But the director said that the role requires me to be a stylish and classy. I also liked the fact that the character has a lot of layers; she's not just catty."
Suchitra, who is usually seen in Western outfits at social events, has had to don a sari for the role. "I do wear western outfits more often but my first job was when I was 21 and that required me to wear saris. I am happy with the look, the high collared blouses, blood red lipstick and thick kohl eyes. I was asked to follow actress Rekha's style to nail the look. My stylist Vinnie, who is from South Africa, has put together the look perfectly."
It's interesting to see that unlike most mother-in-laws on TV, Suraiya is rather subtle. Suchitra says that it's perhaps because of the vast experience in theatre. "I hadn't done TV in 10 years before 24 and Beintihaa happened. I was busy with my theatre commitments. Even when this show came my way, I informed them that I can only shoot 20 days a month as I need time for my plays. Yes, theatre does help an actor understand the nuances of acting and one needs to be in touch with it."
Suchitra says that even though her calendar is full with her shows, theatre, anchoring and charity events, she can manage it, thanks to husband Lars Kjeldsen's support. She says, "Lars is a hands on dad. He makes sure to take care of our daughter Annika. So even when I have a lot of late night shoots, I never have to get worked up about getting her homework done. My daughter and husband visit me on the sets."
The actress admits that owing to her unconventional looks, she would often get slotted as the vampish girlfriend on TV and films early on in her career. That's why she preferred to stick to theatre, which she is passionate about. She reveals, "Surprisingly, I was once offered the lead in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar but I didn't do the film. After that I got a lot of vampish girlfriend roles but I only did one in Dil Chahta Hai for the fun of it. My play Dance Like a Man has been running for 16 years and so have some other plays of mine. Theatre gives me great satisfaction. I do it for the love of it but I can't deny that TV has a huge reach."