Ekta's new soap based on Shobha De

Draupadi returns

Roopa Ganguly will play a character modelled on writer Shobhaa De in Ekta Kapoor's next

Subhash K Jha

She had played Draupadi in the epic television serial Mahabharat nearly two decades ago. Her latest appearance was in Rituparno Ghosh's Antar Mahal as Soha Ali Khan's seductive sister-in-law. And now, Roopa Ganguly is all set for the small screen once again. The actress will return in a role modelled on writer Shobhaa De.

"It's true that Roopa's role is modeled on Shobhaa De, although it has nothing to do with Shobhaa's personal life," says Ekta. "Shobhaa De has always been an icon and a role model for me. I'm a huge fan of her columns and novels. I've read them all. In fact, I'm dying to collaborate with her for a serial. There have been talks. But nothing's fixed yet."

Also, Ekta is interested in doing a desi version of the American soap Desperate Housewives with Shobhaa. "I'd love to have Shobhaa write an Indian version of Desperate Housewives for Balaji. I don't think anyone is better equipped for the job. We've had preliminary discussions," she says.

De has written two soaps Kittie Party and Sarrkar for producer Manish Goswami. Another soap scripted by Shobhaa De for Goswami will soon go on air.


* I'm a huge fan of her columns and novels. I've read them all. In fact, I'm dying to collaborate with her for a serial – Ekta Kapoor