Tulsi-Payal face-off in Thodi Si Zameen..

She has built up a reputation as a meanie in shows such as Kyunki. Jaya 'Payal' Bhattacharya spent many an episode during that show trying to make things difficult for her sworn enemy Smriti 'Tulsi' Iraani. Now she is making a comeback on screen with Smriti; the difference, she will be playing a goody good character. The show: the long talked about Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Asma, which is making its debut on 19 August on Star Plus. Jaya will be playing the role of Pooja who is another close friend of Uma Devi aka Smriti Iraani (Tellychakkar.com had earlier revealed that Rajesh 'Roshesh' Kumar's wife Maddhvi, will be playing buddy to Uma didi in the show. )

"It's after long time that I have got to play a character which is normal, realistic and not larger than life. " Jaya Bhattacharya

Jaya's character Pooja is a married woman whose husband is an alcoholic. He harasses her, takes away her hard earned money to quench his thirst for the bottle. She is a confidante of Smriti who is a middle class girl.

"I play a very bubbly and lively character, who will go out of the way to help others in times of crisis, but when it comes to her own problems she is absolutely clueless on a solution. In the serial I am a side artist of a dance troupe, who makes ends meet by dancing in films. Uma didi and I are close friends. Even though I am married to a guy who is absolutely good for nothing, yet I continue with the marriage because it provides social security and besides it was a love marriage. My character projects the attitude of a typical middle class married woman," explains Jaya.

What's different this time for Jaya is also the fact that she will be playing a character closer to her age, "It's after long time that I have got to play a character which is normal, realistic and not larger than life. Besides I get to be myself without having to don a grey hair wig. That is the primary reason that I opted to be a part of the show," she says excitedly.