Article- Meet Shantanu's grandmother

Nayan Bhatt of STAR Plus' Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii is a veteran of the stage. Nayan is currently on television with yet another STAR show Rang Badalti Odhani as Shantanu Khandelwal's grandmother. Her character, Shantanu's Dadi, will support Khanak.

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That's a motto Nayan has in real life as well: "Everyone should respect each other and one should give space to live" she says in this interview about her work on stage, on television, and about her life.

We spoke to Nayan Bhatt, who was on the sets of Rang Badalti Odhani

How did Rang Badalti Odhani happen to you?

I got a call from the producer of the show. I know Swapna, who is the series director and I just said yes to her without even knowing my character.

What is the USP of the show according to you? What prompted you to take up the show?

I love the story line of the show, and Khanak's character for me is the USP of the show. The second thing which made me want to be a part of the show is because of Swapna, who is a very close friend of mine and I know her since the last 10 years right from my Karam days. I am happy to work with Swapna again.

You will help Khanak impress everyone. What tips will you give her?

Khanak ek bahut acchi ladki hai lekin woh halat ki maari hain (Khanak is a very good girl but she is behaving like this because of her circumstances). Being a grandmother, I will help and groom her so that she will match the lifestyle of other family members. I will teach her everything because no one is perfect!

How is the dadi of Agarwal family different from the dadi of Khanak's family?

There is a vast difference. The character in Kahaani had shown different shades. After a few episodes, I wanted that all the powers should go to Kamal and not to Om, so it was like different variations. Shaan's grandmother is fine but she sometimes confronts her bahu. For example, with lines like: Mujhe nahi pata tha ki aaj tum khana banaogi. Both dadis stick to their family values and customs.

How similar or dissimilar are you in real life to the character?

Nayan Bhatt is similar to this character and I believe in giving space to my daughter-in-law as well. If I am at home then I tell my son and daughter-in-law to go and watch a movie, while I take care of the baby. I believe in the motto 'give respect and take respect.'

How is it working with young actors like Yashashri, Karan and Rucha?

Everyone here is very fine. Most interestingly, Khanak and I share the same make-up room and she is very spontaneous and a very hardworking girl. It is good to work with Karan Tacker. With Ruchi, I have done Waqt Bataiyegaa Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya on Sony.

You have worked with Sakshi Tanwar for eight long years. How different an actor was she from the current lot that you are working with?

Sakshi is a very sweet girl and very down to earth. No tantrums and I really can't compare her with other actors because I have spent 8 long years with her. Even now we frequently talk over the phone and she still calls me Maa!

The current shows focus on reality and issues prevalent in the society unlike their counterparts from the past which were about bahus scheming and plotting against the protagonist in multimillionaire families. What do you have to say about this transition? Which phase did you enjoy the most?

It is always good to have a change and this transition has brought some new ideas even in the entertainment industry. Even in our real life changes happen then why not in reel life? It is a healthy transition. I am enjoying both the phases.

Nayan says theatre is her first love, but she is one of television's most talented actresses. And the reason artistes like her are respected in Bollywood and on television is their ability to keep it real.

In the current track, Mrs. Khandelwal is very angry to see Mr. Khandelwal and Dadima relishing the sheera that Khanak has prepared. Dadima requests Khanak to get rid of the negative vibes in the family. Mrs. Khandelwal confronts Dadima about interfering in their family's personal matters and Dadima gives shagun to Khanak.