'I can't be a mother at 18'

By Subhash K Jha

Kaasam Se, Prachi is pissed off with the generation leap in her successful serial. She isn't the first young tv sctor to be put off by the wrinkle-motivated demands on her persona. And Prachi is certainly not the last to let out an ant-aging blast.

She reveals her displeasure rather vocally. "I hate the idea of playing a mother. I am just 18. The mere thought of what lies ahead in the show gives me goose bumps. It was quite depressing when we (Ram Kapoor and self) had a two -hour narration with Nivi (Nivedita is the creative head) She told me that we were to have kids.

It looks so sad to have a child with a 40 year old man when you are just 18!!! And so I decided not to prepare for the role. Just so that I am not further depressed. These guys should be put in jail for making me do this!"

Prachi gave her board exams in March this year from the University of Pune. She was 17 when she started playing Bani.

"I hate the idea of playing a mother. I agree there are girls who become mothers at 18 but rarely out of their own choice. They are either raped or forced by family pressure to conceive. Out of ten maybe only one becomes a mother out of choice at that age.

Secondly, I have just started my career. To be made to do a role of a mother, I think, is too soon for me. I tell myself that they saw me capable of doing this and hence have offered me the role."

If she's so appalled why do it? "Soaps show what the audience wants to watch. I come from a middle class background and the scenes that I do with my screen sisters, at times are what actually would happen in a middle class house.

It's just that the scenes are a little exaggerated, with lots of drama. But then if there's no drama then there would be no fun right?? I guess soaps are all about what people really want to see."