TALKING POINT: Smriti Z Iraani

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Ambrosia

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Posted: 19 years ago

TALKING POINT: Smriti Z Iraani

Shailaja Bajpai

Your new show which premieres on Star Plus this weekend, Thodi Si Zameen, Thoda Sa Aasmaan is not a typical saas-bahu drama. Tell us why.
Basically, it is a new concept about a girl, Uma, from a very different background who tries to live life on her own terms. She has to support her family living in a chawl. It's not got the normal format, or melodramatic language, etc. It's a huge risk and one that Star has been willing to take. I was also keen to take the chance and see if another type of format and show could be popular. That would be a gain.

How is it different?
It is a much more realistic show. It is not run of the mill. And this is not only because it is set in a chawl. Uma, is someone different, she is not highly educated but she has a dream and believes that it can be realised. Her characterisation is not melodramatic. All the performances, the storyline are more realistic. Still, don't think I am trying to be the Shyam Benegal of TV. This is a point of exploration based on my understanding of the TV audience. We have to see if I have got it right.

How did you convince the premier saas-bahu producer, Balaji, to be your co-producer on this venture?
I didn't sell it to Ekta (Kapoor). Shobha Kapoor said to me, let's do it. It was all their doing, their belief. And, Star said Smriti, let's do something different. They could afford to take a chance. The theme of Thodi Si... sounds like it was social cause. Has it got anything to do with your political career?
TV has nothing to do with the politician in me. I never mix the two. Also, I have collaborators and I can't impose social beliefs on them. When I play Tulsi in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thhi, I am totally in character - the politician has nothing to do with my acting.

There have been other serials that have tried to be different, unusual. But they have ended being the same. Do you think you can stick it out?
I believe, we will succeed if we remain faithful to the original content. If you revert to the formula, then you will be in trouble.

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