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Shilpa Saklani is currently going places. A flop debut in a
forgettable film did nothing to hamper her chances of success because
as Ganga of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, she has become a household
name. Also the current track is very Shilpa centric at the moment.
Everybody is clued in on what Ganga is up to these days, but read on to
get to know her real life counterpart Shilpa.
Q Would you consider Kyunki…. to be the turning point of your career? Is that the reason that you are still a part of it?
Yes,
I am what I am today because of Kyunki…. Though I am not the lead I am
still known as Ganga. Even though I have played the main lead in both
Lavanya and Kkusum I am better known as Ganga. Apart from that, the
work timings suit me just fine—it's the only show where we work from
nine am to six pm. This gives me enough time for my hubby and home. I
have never been the ambitious kind, so I am happy being a part of a
popular show, which suits my schedule too, you see.
Q How do you choose your roles?
Money is
important, I want to earn enough not to be a burden on my husband. And
yes, I want to be financially stable before I start a family.
But, at the same time I like to have time for my social life, so I
don't hanker after work which will ask for more time. Yes, I do lose
out on some good work in the bargain, but I have no regrets. Right now, I am happy with just Kyunki….
Q Was the opportunity to work with hubby Apurva the incentive behind you taking up Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin?
You
bet it was. I simply wanted to be a part of Jassi… because it was the
show in which my shonu (Apurva) is a part of. Well, they did offer me
several parts whenever they needed a new character in the show but none
of them were interesting. I simply loved the part of former lover.
Unfortunately, I didn't have many scenes with him.
Q Did working on Nach Baliye bring you closer to Apurva?
To be honest, it tired us more than anything. We were both working on daily soaps
and then rehearsing for this show. Four days of the week were dedicated
for night rehearsals after our shoots got over. Then be up early
morning to report for our shootings. This started telling on our
health. Of course it hurt when we were eliminated but I guess it was at
the right time—any longer and I would have passed out due to fatigue. I
cried for a week after we lost but Apurva would tease me and say "baby
at least now you will get your full nights sleep."
Q How was it playing the third Kkusum?
To
begin with, it was a little unnerving to take up the project. Nausheen
was exceptional as the original Kkusum and Manasi Joshi Roy is a class
apart. I was wondering if I could do justice to it, but Balaji was in a
tight spot when Manasi left the show. I took it up because it was a
popular show and the money was good.
Q In real life, you come across as a very gregarious person, so why have you opted to do only rona-dhona roles?
Where
are the frothy roles? I did Lavanya who was a frothy character, but to
date it's the serious and traditional Ganga who is remembered. Somehow
people don't accept such characters. Now take Kaise Yeh Pyaar Hai for
instance, the lead character is a rock star but she wears salwar
kameezes.
Q How's marriage treating you?
Touchwood, life's blissful. My hubby is the best. It's been almost two years since we got married.
One has to be very lucky to get a husband like Apurva. Of course, we do
have our little tiffs but it helps that we are both in the same
profession — the understanding is good. I like to pack his ice-box,
which contains his lunch and protein shakes. And yes, I do love making
the hot rotis for him when I am home.
Q And when are you planning on a baby?
In another 3-4 years. I am still 23, there's time for that. | 
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