Article-I have full faith in Ekta - GG

TV actor Gautami Kapoor, who is making waves these days playing grandma Tulsi (originally played by Smriti Z Iraani in 'Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi', Star Plus) with utmost conviction, is peeved with rumours that producer Ektaa Kapoor is planning to bring Smriti back into the longest running soap.

"Well, I am not aware of any such plans from the Balaji camp. I have full faith in Ektaa. She will be gracious enough to share with me any major decisions relating to my character before it's officially declared," clarifies a slim and svelte Gautami at a pre-school exhibition organised by a nursery club in Wadala.

Being her weekly off that day, she had brought along her 15-month old daughter Sia, who seemed fascinated with the nursery exhibits and the puppet show. Incidentally, Gautami's nephew studies in the same pre-school, which apparently was the reason why she chose to attend the event.

Coming back to her career, it made many from the TV fraternity curious when Gautami and hubby Ram Kapoor (Mr Walia in 'Kasamh Se', Zee) chose to stay away from the recently held party at Ektaa's house. Was it to maintain her serious Tulsi dadi image?

"No way! That's a wrong presumption. In fact, both Ram and I were eager to attend the Balaji bash. But Ram and Sia were down with viral fever and we had no choice but to cancel our plans. We really missed all the revelry," smiles Gautami.

Does Sia recognise her 'grey-haired' mom on screen? "Of course! She points to the screen and says 'Mama'. Recently, she even identified Ram in 'Kasamh Se' and shouted 'Dada' for the first time," enthuses the actor.

Was Gautami under pressure playing Tusli after Smriti? "Initially, there was this nagging tension. But Ram reassured me. He said, 'Pressures are bound to be there. But just don't let them perturb you'.

Thankfully, Balaji has allowed me fixed shooting hours and weekly offs to spend time with Sia. Now, it's a challenge playing Tulsi," she signs off.