We spoke to the Bade Achhe Laggte Hain star about how her DU college days and Delhi upbringing has made her a strong and responsible citizen and whether she is looking for a future in politics.
I've been taught to stand up against injustice
I wouldn't call myself an activist but rather just a responsible citizen. LSR (Lady Shri Ram College, her alma mater) has helped me shape my personality to a large extent. I would also attribute this to my family and upbringing. My father is from a police background and my mother has always taught me to speak up and raise my voice against anything wrong being done.
Code Red will be presenting three individual shows - Umeed, which will deal with suicide cases, Awaaz, dealing with violence against women and children, and Chakravyuh, which is about people trapped in troubles of life. We will be talking about finding solutions to each of these. I have hosted another show in the past, but Code Red is not about crime. It's a show which will dwell in the minds of the people. It's more about what leads to the crime and what happens afterwards. The show is also about hope and your inner conscience. I will be voicing the inner conscience of the characters in the story. It's more of a solution-driven show where we are just not talking about the problems but also providing solutions. There are various helplines and we will be sharing their numbers with the viewers. For instance, there are so many suicide cases in our country. I was told about this suicide helpline that receives 2,000 call daily. There is so much depression and frustration. There is lack of tolerance and we want instant results. There is so much change that is happening which is taking a toll on our health. It's time to solve those problems.
For 14 years I have been working in fictional shows. As an actor, you always want to explore new things, which holds true for me as well. Bade Achhe Laggte Hain ended just six months ago. I wasn't roped in for Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar. It's not important who was offered the role but who is doing it now is what matters more. Pallavi (Kulkarni, the female lead on the show) is playing it now. So, why talk about something that is not happening?
I will think about joining politics
I will think about it. I will cross the bridge when I need to. Right now, I am happy doing what I am doing.