'I feel I've already played Tulsi'

Padmini Kolhapure was in the forefront to enter Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi following Smriti Iraani's break. At least, that was the buzz around town. But finally it was Gautami Kapoor who entered the seven-year-old soap. So how did things change for Padmini? BT finds out from the actress...

There was buzz that you were almost finalised. What went wrong last minute?

They approached me just once. Since I'd never done television, they wanted to know if I'd be interested in doing a show. That was the only discussion we had. They didn't tell me if it was for Tulsi or for a parallel protagonist.

What was your response?

I told them I was open to TV, but it would all depend on various factors like timings, working hours, the role, etc. It ought to be something smashing, something fantastic if it was my debut on TV. Just one call and the next thing I know is I'm being flooded by calls from the media inquiring if I was playing Tulsi.

But you kept a low-profile and didn't say much...

There was nothing to say. It was just building and building. I was quite amused, actually. There's been so much hype that I feel I've already played Tulsi! Actually it's still going on, I continue to get calls from the media on this.

Do you feel your name was used to generate hype?

Well, I really don't know. If my name was used, I have no clue about that.

Have you spoken to producer Ekta Kapoor in the last few days?

I know Ekta since she was a kid. But no, I haven't spoken to her.

Now there's buzz you might be doing another show of hers...

No, nothing as yet.

But you are open to television?

Why not? If something interesting comes up, surely.

So you are not upset or disappointed about anything?

Absolutely not. It wasn't like I lost out on something because I wasn't really made an offer.

You earlier said your debut on TV should be something smashing... Would you consider coming in place of Smriti, who was around for seven years, a smashing offer?

Definitely not.I would look at something that would begin and end with me.

What's it like working with brother-in-law Shakti Kapoor in your upcoming play Aasman Se Gire Khajoor Pe Atke?

Great! He's so full of life and you are always in splits with him around.