The 2nd coming
Smriti Irani comes clean on her comebackHow does it feel to shoot for a Balaji soap after a gap of 11 months?
I haven't yet started shooting for it. I haven't got a briefing of what the role will be. Obviously it won't deviate much from the shades of the character I have portrayed earlier
What prompted you to come back to the serial?
Both Ekta Kapoor and Star Plus approached me. Currently, I am doing my serial Mere Apne and hosting a reality show Yeh Hai Jalwa, which is scheduled for another three months. I have the time to devote to Kyunki... which is why I took it up.
What about your differences with Ekta Kapoor?
Honestly, I didn't have any issues with her. I am just an actor. When she needed me to be out of the story, I quit and now it is her prerogative to have me back.
So, what are you looking for in the role?
As I told you, I really don't know what the role will be like. As soon as I agreed, the channel decided to have a press conference to announce my return.
We read that there will be some kind of plastic surgery to introduce you..
I have no clue.
Have you watched Kyunki... after you quit. What is your take on Gautami Gadgil portraying your role?
I never saw Kyunki... when I was acting in it. And now with my serial Mere Apne and my two children around, I didn't have the time.
Is it because your earlier production Virruddh and now Mere Apne isn't doing well that you have decided to revisit the role that made you popular?
I'll have you know that Mere Apne is the No.1 show on 9X. Apart from Vinodji who is a legend and the centre of attraction, the youngsters have done a very good job. Whether it is Gauri Nigudkar, Akanksha Garodia, Delnaaz Paul or Shahbaaz Khan or Kishori Shahane I have got a bunch of extremely talented actors. As for Virruddh, it has won close to eight awards in the past eight months. These serials have helped me make a position for myself as a creator and writer. I utilised the break from Kyunki... to establish different facets on TV. These days every film actor is getting into production and on TV, I have the distinction of pulling it off successfully. Now, as Tulsi I have come a full circle.
How is your experience hosting Yeh Hai Jalwa?
Yeh Hai Jalwa is one of the best experiences I have had. It has exposed my sense of humour, which people didn't know I had. After hosting Yeh Hai Jalwa, I have realised that reality shows are not as easy as they look. A lot of hardwork goes into it.
You seem to be enjoying hosting the show with Saakshi Tanwar.
My husband (Zubin) rates Saakshi as the best actress. I have worked with her off and on in the last six years but this is the first time we are together at length. I have realised that she is a very good human being. We share a great comfort level and that shows on screen. As for the participants, except for Rosa and Rakhi Sawant I have practically worked with all of them and feel bad when one of them gets eliminated.
Don't you want to participate in any show?
Me and dance! Seriously, I did get a few offers for reality shows but I was too busy.
Are you looking forward to going back on the Balaji sets?
I am a professional who takes each day as it comes. What is most memorable and special about Kyunki.. is the audience attached to it and I give prime importance to that.
http://www.screenindia.com/news/The-2nd-coming/295097/
Bigg Boss 19
