TOI: TV has bigger reach than films-Neelu

She is easily one of the most famous ma-in-laws on telly town's TRP scorching show Diya Aur Bati Hum. Neelu, who has been an actor/producer in the Rajasthani film industry for some time now surprisingly never wanted to be part of the television industry.

Now that she is an integral part of the TV biz, Neelu says she is enjoying every bit of her new found fame. Neelu started acting at a very young age when she was all of 11 years. After having done over 50 Rajasthani films, Neelu has also been part of five Gujarati movies has a strong connect with the state.

"My parents-in-law stay in Rajkot and I have relatives in Surat, Vadodara, Junagadh, Ahmedabad. I frequently come to the state," she says. With Navratri around the corner, Neelu confesses that she "loves playing dandiya. Hopefully, I'll be able to take some time off from the hectic schedules and be part of the Navratri revelry."

A popular character on television today, quiz her more on life, she says, "I am always laughing and dancing on the sets. If I reprimand my children, they say — Bhabho ghar aa gayi hai. I love smiling faces and believe in the concept of a joint family. Now that I'm doing a daily soap, my children miss me sometimes. But once I am home, all my time is devoted to my family."

Neelu who recently met Olympian Mary Kom is full of praises for the woman of steel. She says, "Mary is a very sweet woman. We should encourage our girls to pursue their dreams and Mary is a wonderful role model for them."

Neelu feels that TV, "is a bigger platform than the films — tight schedules, deadlines etc."