'You cant FOOL the audience'- Divya Seth

'You can't fool the audiences'

Divya Shah has come a long way since her Hum Log days. Here she talks to Roshni Olivera about her passion for acting, the break she took and why a 20-year-old should not play the role of a 50-year-old

What's it like playing the CM?
It's really wonderful. Apart from it being a wonderful character to play, it's also a very powerful character to play. The whole package works well in a role like this. The persona that is required to portray, there are so many levels...every couple of months I can bring in a new dimension. She, as a person, was this perfect person. As the story progresses there are imperfections. There's sadness she experiences, vulnerability etc. It's not stagnating at all. With each new track there is something new with her.
Don't people still remember you as Majli of Hum Log?
I guess people would because it was so mammoth, so embedded in people's psyche. It was an unbelievable role. I was so fortunate to do it. But after that, I have done a lot of theatre and many TV serials as well as game shows.
Did you take a break post-marriage?
I took a break when I was five months pregnant. I worked till my fifth month. Then took a break for four years. We were living in Lonavala after which we shifted to Mumbai.
You had planned to come back?
After my daughter Mihika turned four, I decided to. My husband (Siddharth Shah) and mother-in-law said stop re-arranging the furniture and go back to work! That was really sweet of them. I don't think it would be possible without my husband's and my family's support because I am leaving a small child at home.
How do you manage between Pune and Mumbai?
I shoot for four days and then I go back home. I shoot for 12 to 13 days in a month. The production house, the entire unit, the actors are all helpful. On the days when I'm going back to Pune, they really indulge me and ensure that I pack up early.
Are you officially Divya Shah now ?
Yes, I am. Of course people still tend to call me Divya Seth.
Did you get into acting seeing your mother (Sushma Seth)?
Absolutely. As far as I can remember, I have always wanted to be an actor.
What do you think about young actors playing mother's roles on TV?
For a 20-year-old to be playing a 50-year-old is a bit far-fetched. In my case, I have done the whole number of playing a young girl, a bride etc. I have taken a break and come back. So, I was okay with playing a mother's role. The only issue is that of vanity. But it's okay, everybody knows what you look like and what you don't look like. But when you have a show taking a leap and a young girl playing a 50-year-old, it's not convincing. Then where's the honesty in the performance? Besides, you can't fool the audiences!