Keerti : I would love to do a double role

If you are a television buff, you are unlikely to forget the innocent girl who stirred your hearts in the role of an orphan being raised by three bar dancers in Kamal.

Well, Keerti Gaekwad has come a long way since then and grown up to be a very popular actress of the small screen.

She has been appreciated for her roles in Jai Santoshi Maa, Saat Phere, Kahiin To Hoga, Sinndoor Tere Naam Ka and Solhah Singaarr.

She has also participated with her husband and co-actor Sharad Kelkar in the second season of Nach Baliye. And now, she will be seen in another dance reality show, the much talked about Saas V/s Bahu. "But you know, I am not a trained dancer. You can call me a 'complex' dancer, who was apprehensive about doing these shows! But I have worked hard and learnt a lot. When I get good reviews from the judges for my dancing, it feels great. Another thing that I really appreciate about this show is the spirit of all these saas-es. It will be a treat to watch!" she feels.

This Kanpur girl has been doing theatre since the age of seven and says, "I always dreamt of becoming an actress but didn't have the guts to tell my parents. But, as they say, if you truly want something, it comes your way." Her next show Chhoti Bahu will go on air in September. This girl is not hankering after film roles. "I am really happy with the small screen, as TV is getting bigger and bigger. But I wish we get more options in terms of role selection. Also, I would love to see things a little more organised," is how she puts it. Is there a dream role? "Oh, yes! I would love to play a double role, which has both positive and negative shades. Why do characters have to be either too good or too bad?" she asks. The role in Kamal happens to be her personal favourite so far, as she is "a very positive and strong person. I am also bubbly and a very much 'today's woman'."

So how does she unwind? "Earlier, both me and Sharad used to work 30 days a month. But now, we make it a point to not work for more than 20-22 days a month and go on mini vacations every month. I also love to spend quality time with friends." Who is her favourite actor? "It's got to be Aamir Khan. I have been in love with him since I was nine!" she informs. On a parting note, she says, "The best compliment that I have got so far is when somebody said that I have a really pleasant face, which can make anyone happy. That was so touching!"