Kamya Punjabi - I can wear no makeup but.

Kamya Punjabi is fast gaining popularity as the vicious Sindoora in Banoo Main Teri Dulhan and as heroine Reena Kapoor's evil mother–in-law in Wo Rehne Waali Mehlon ki. But the good looking actress who has also played negative characters in Astitva and Reth before, had actually started out playing the teenaged daughter of Aman Varma and Gautami Kapoor in Kehta Hai Dil, only four years back. Kamya Punjabi decided to tell us how the transition happened and why in today's times she prefers positive roles to the negative ones.

First tell us how did this transition happen for you?
It's true that I started out by playing a cute little girl in Kehta Hai Dil. There are still some people who remember me as the younger Karishma of Kehta Hai Dil. I first experimented with a negative role in Astitva. I liked it and followed it up with one in Reth. Now my character Sindoora in Dulhan is extremely popular. So much so that sometimes people forget that I am actually playing a character. There are people who have come up to me and asked me why I am being so bad. In fact my own mother called me up the other day and actually asked me, "Is this the way you should behave and talk to your mother?" So I am happy with the kind of response I have got. It's great when you are known by your character this way.

How happy are you with the tag of a vamp?
I am okay with the tag. Because the point is all my characters are different from the other. My character in Astitva was different from the one in Reth. Now in Wo Rehne Waali Mehlon ki, I am playing a mum-in-law and in Sindoor I am playing the head of the family. They are strong characters and that's what attracted me to them.

But will we ever see you in a positive role again?
I had shot for a pilot with Aman Verma where I am playing his wife. It was a completely positive character. But for all the days I was shooting, I was only shown constantly crying. I cried in every scene. That's what I hate. I don't like to keep crying. I want to play strong roles. It's not that I am totally closed to playing positive characters. I will if it's something unique.

Aren't you apprehensive that you will get categorised in only negative roles?
I am not scared because I am totally happy with the vamp image. As I told you, I really hate crying. I can't do that for 20-25 days a month. If you look at Wo Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki, Reena is always crying. Dulhan has been crying from the first scene itself. I really don't want to do that.

Let's talk about your look in the show?
My producer Neelima Bajpai has helped me a lot with it. In fact before coming to the final decision, I tried on at least 10 different types of sarees and blouses. The channel also gave its suggestions. It has come out good and a lot of credit goes to Neelima for the same.

Do you think your look is going to stand out, become a style statement like the looks of many other TV vamps before you?
I don't believe that to stand out you need to put on dark eyeliner, eyelashes and gaudy makeup. For me it's only the performance that matters. I can even wear no makeup but still play the worst woman around.

You have already worked with Neelima Bajpai on Reth. Do the young actors on the sets come to you for advice?
With the young actors around, I feel like a mum on the sets. At times they come and ask me and it's then that I give them advice.

You are now working with the Rajshris. Have you thought about a film career?
If it's a good role, I will say yes.