She’s lovin’ it......Article

What exactly did you like about your new serial Ladies Special?

After a long time, I feel that I have something concrete to do. It is an amazing role. When producer Sanjeev Sharma, an old friend, offered me this project I found it very interesting. Post-Saans I did a few things but didn't enjoy them. After Saans, I feel this is my most important project. I'm enjoying this show and look forward to doing such a show after 10 years.

What will your look on the show be?

I have based my character on a Maharashtrian friend. Initially, I thought that the character was a Maharashtrian but now I have been told that she could be anybody.

In Mumbai, you say kanda-batata for onion-potato. I'm from Delhi, and now when I go back there and I unconsciously refer to them as kanda-batata, everybody laughs. My character, Shubha Joshi, is like a Mumbaikar, who, without realising, lapses into Marathi at times. But mostly, she speaks in Hindi.

The show is on the life of four women are they interlinked in some way?

The common meeting ground for these women is the Mumbai local trains. Each of us has an interesting and unique life, our individual problems, tensions and our reasons for being happy. It is a very well-written show, which has been shot in a realistic fashion.

Are you shooting on a local train?

We shoot on the set of a train; and once in a while on real trains.

Have you travelled by Mumbai's local trains?

Hazaar times, yaar.

What do you remember about travelling in local trains?

At that time, I was struggling and had no money. I had to meet producers but by the time I reached their office, my haalat was very bad; after the dhakka-mukki, paseena and all. I could not afford a car in those days. I lived in Bandra East but I remember I could not distinguish between the east and west side of the station. I would get out on the wrong side and then I would have to find my way back.

The serial's setting is familiar to Mumbai residents. But will viewers from the rest of the country get a feel of Mumbai's local trains?

Absolutely. The other day a junior artiste told me, 'Local train main toh poora beauty parlour hota hai'. I told the director about it and he has promised that he would include it in the script. We have our dabbas. I befriend a lady and bring breakfast for her.

Looks like the show is going to highlight everyday issues regarding women.

Yes. For instance, at times one misses the train and reaches home late and your husband presses your feet. In the serial, my daughter suspects her husband and comes over to our house. I discourage her from coming down if she has problems involving her husband.

Do train journeys foster strong relationships between strangers?

I will illustrate it with an instance ' one girl, Pooja, is from Dhanbad and it's her first trip on a local train. But she is unable to board it because of the rush. I pull her in and advice her to retain her purse and to hold on to the overhead handles. I become very close to her and we bond as if we were mother and daughter.

You are normally seen playing strong and serious characters.

I have done Shriman Shrimati also. In our industry an actor who does comedy always does comedy and one who does serious roles is only offered serious roles.

Does that bother you as an actor?

I feel horrible. Hamare yahan koi aisa concept hi nahin hai ki ek actor har prakaar ke role kar sakta hai, aur na kabhi hoga.

Why?

Because we are like that.