Poonam Joshi about her role in detail

Chhavi Mittal created a flutter of sorts by refusing to take a 25 year leap and quitting the show Tumhari Disha on Zee where she was playing the lead central character.But instead of being shaken up, the show has come up with an ace in the form of actress Poonam Joshi who has stepped in as the new heroine. But unlike any other leap, Poonam is not replacing Chhavi. She has come in as unconventional hero DK (Aashish Nayyar)'s second wife in the show.

"Yes, it's true that I am playing the role of DK's new wife in the show post the generation leap," Poonam confirms the news. "And as far as my decision of saying yes to this role is concerned, it's purely because the character of Kaamna is so interesting." Chhavi Mittal had walked out as she was reluctant to play a mum at her age. What about Poonam, who is now seen as a mother of three grown up children? Didn't she have any hang-ups or any sort of insecurity?

"I didn't and don't have a problem as the trend of 20-25 year leaps is on. It's not a new thing happening. And importantly, what I am concerned about most is, my role. I like my role and I am convinced about it. Therefore nothing else concerns me," Poonam sounds quite confident and sure of her decision. However, on the Chhavi Mittal topic, she refuses to comment. "I don't have any idea about why she left. I just started shooting a week back and don't know what happened before I came in," the smart actress keeps herself away from all sorts of possible controversies.

"As for the show, she is shown to be dead but her memories live on. In spite of the presence of three children and the new wife, her place in the life of DK is still there. It's shown how this presence of Disha effects the relations between DK and my character Kaamna," she explains her character. Talking about the intricacies of the character, Poonam futher elaborates, "This is one character which has a smile on her face always, no matter what happens. Her husband and children don't treat her well, but then too, she is forever in a positive frame of mind."

Poonam has earlier been seen in gamut of serials from the Balaji camp, Kahin To Hoga, Kahaani Ghar Ghar ki, Kavyanjali and Kya Haadsa Kya Haqeeqat. That makes Tumhari Disha her first major non-K show. Talking about her experience with her new co-actors, she says, "I have only shot for a few days up till now, but I get along really well with everyone. I am getting to know each one of them, from Aashish (Nayyar) to Sandeep and Manish who play my sons and the new girl who is seen as my daughter. It's been pretty good with everyone. Even the producer and the unit members are pretty cool to work with."

Draped in a traditional saree with loads of jewellery and a heavy mangalsutra, she is supposed to give a traditional touch to the serial which was otherwise missing with Disha being shown in trendy clothes all this while. What does Poonam think about it? Will the Chhavi's exit and her entry see soaps ratings soaring up!

"I can only hope that it gets better. After all, we can just do our best, rest everything depends on the story. Hope it helps the show to shine," comes the quick answer from her. And what does she think is the USP of the show? What is the one thing that will make it withstand all sorts of competition?

"It isn't just one thing or it's not just me. The best thing, as I said earlier, is the story. The different shades in the relationship between DK and Kaamna should stand out. It has come out very well so far. Plus there are many other positive points," she sounds hopeful. But coming back again to the age factor, has she realised that she will be categorised in mothers' and bhabhis' roles from now on?

"Not really, I don't think so. I am still seen playing my age in Kahin To Hoga. And at the end of the day, it's just another role. People, I guess realise the same too," she gives a confident reply. And last but not the least, what about her future plans? "As of now, it's just Tumhari Disha. I will hope for the best and see how it goes. Thereafter, I will take the next step," she signs off. Let's hope for the best and see Poonam fare really well, be as good or probably an able successor to Disha!