Shekhar Kapur's sis-in-law is a TV actres

Low-profile actress

So why has she maintained such a low profile all this while? We came across her through an acquaintance and had to do a double check that indeed she was Suchitra's sister. When asked, she admits, "Yes, this is my first-ever interview.

Nobody knows that Suchitra is my sister; very few are aware of it. Nor do I talk about it. I prefer it this way. I don't want it to sound that I am using their names," she says. "I like to shock people and this is going to give a big one to those who have interacted with me. Rarely do I go out with Suchitra at public events."

Acting initiation

Interestingly, Sujata had a brush with acting only a few years back. "I made my acting debut late in life. It began just for the heck of it. I had my portfolio done and began modelling after going through the audition process. I had friends in the media who put me on to production houses. I began with episodic work in serials Kashmeer (Star Plus) and Anant (Zee). Chi and Me was my first show in which I had a continous role."

Muscat base

Interestingly, Sujata's first job was at The Oberoi. "We lived in Napean Sea Road in those days." After marriage, she moved to Muscat, Oman, where her husband was based.

"We lived in Muscat for almost 13 years till we decided to relocate to India in 1996 and set up base in Bangalore. In Muscat, she kept herself busy with corporate gaming which involves hosting live interactive games for company employees to facilitate team-building.

"When I shifted to Bangalore, I set up my own company called Boffins and continued with corporate gaming. However three-and a half years back she moved to Mumbai to "find her own space and do some rethink on marriage and relationships. My husband and daughter, Kritika, live in Bangalore. In fact my daughter is in standard 10 so she is busy with her prelims and I am after her — over the phone!"

Sister speak

Now, Sujata is looking forward to finding her bearings in the industry. She has also done a few films and is seen in the Cadbury's 5 Star and Crunch commercials.

And what does Suchitra have to say about her acting pursuits? "Chotu (that's what I call Suchitra) tells me "go for it" while bro-in-law Shekhar tells me "you are a busy star with no dates for me," she laughs.