'I don't expect any privileges because I'

Manasi Salve's friendly nature and bindaas attitude makes her a popular person off-screen. Shagufta Kalim strikes a conversation.

Sati — Satya Ki Shakti on Sahara One is being projected as the serial with a difference. Your comments. Of course, it is different. Strong women with independent minds are the serial's highpoints. The show revolves around an all woman legal firm. Snatches of some non-fictional cases like the Jessica Lal murder case have been shown in a fictional manner in Sati.

As an actor, what are your views about issues like women's empowerment?
My mother always tells me that we have all come into this world with a purpose. Perhaps through a serial like Sati, I am conveying a message to womankind to stand up for their rights and dignity. I am also involved in a series, that's a joint collaboration between the US government and Plan Media, dealing with female infanticide. That's being aired on DD1, as the channel has more reach in the interiors. Apart from that, a Marathi film Aye Shapath, based on gender discrimination is scheduled for release shortly.

Aren't these roles contradictory to your character of a meek and docile bahu in Viraasat?
But isn't that a fact of life? A large number of women in this country still don't have the courage to voice their opinions. So in a way, here too I am reflecting reality.

Your husband Hemant Prabhu is the director of Sati. Is he a hard task master?
I don't expect any special privileges just because I am the director's wife. In fact, if he is not satisfied with a particular performance of mine, he doesn't hesitate to express his disapproval. I have never thrown tantrums on the sets, but my tomboyish attitude makes every one call me a goonda.

You are no longer seen in any Balaji Productions? Is everything all right on the Ekta front?
Of course, I loved my stint in Kohi Apna Sa. I don't have any problems working with Balaji Telefilms. It is one of the most organised production houses. My cheques arrived on time and pack up time hardly exceeded the 10 pm deadline. So the question of grievances doesn't arise.

Your most memorable holiday?
Definitely my honeymoon in Goa in 2005, but for all the wrong reasons! Can you imagine, we drove down to Goa on January 2, without making any hotel reservations and that too just a week after the Tsunami. Thankfully, Goa was spared but that didn't help matters for us as we spent the whole day looking for a place to halt. No such luck and we had to head home. But my husband made it up to me, as after some time he took me to Goa once again and with all prior bookings at Taj Resorts.

What's your idea of a romantic evening?
Hemant donning the chef's hat and preparing a nice meal, while I give a helping hand.

Are you interested in Bollywood?
Not at all. That's certainly not my cup of tea.