We have a lot of creative freedom in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein: Neena Kulkar

Having been an actress, model, column
writer, producer, and director, she began
her acting career in the 1970's on Marathi
professional stage and Hindi experimental
stage, along with fashion shows and
modelling simultaneously.
Known popularly as Mrs. Iyer in Star Plus
show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Neena Kulkarni
was part of a French film which was
presented at the International Film Festival.
It recently was screened in Paris. Apart from
some Bollywood film projects, she has also
shot for a short film titled Maa.
Speaking about her projects, Neena
expressed, "I have been doing some very
good work. The short film titled Maa is an
unconventional story about how a mother's
decision may not always be in the best
interest of her child. Royal Stag Barrel Select
Large Short Films is the torchbearer of the
project and will release on 10 January, 2018.
The project has been shortlisted for the Jio
Filmfare Short Film Awards. "
Talking about the distinguished motherly
roles she is being offered, the actress
averred, "I am not seen as a very kind
hearted mother in my recent projects. And I
thoroughly enjoy playing such roles. I am
not saying I like playing negative roles but a
tinge of grey in the role makes it more real.
In fact, for my short film, I had to do a lot of
soul searching as the film is very hard
hitting.
Even in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, my character
is not only about playing a positive and
supportive role. There are times when she is
against her. At the same time there are
elements of humour which makes the
character more interesting.
In terms of character growth and bonding
with co-actors, Neena said, "My character is
still growing and hence I am still around and
not bored of the show. There are shows
where the female protagonist's family is not
involved in too many tracks and the
members are only a part of certain ritual
based tracks. Also, the south Indian aspect
that has been incorporated in the story has
kept the show alive. So I really go by instinct
when it is about quitting the character- but I
am not bored of this character yet.
Just because, I am a theatre artist I tend to
go a little deeper into the character and find
logic of the character and I know Mrs. Iyer is
not the same as she was earlier. She is more
sophisticated. She speaks lesser with an
accent which a lot of people might think we
have missed or forgotten to incorporate but
it is intentional to make the story look real.
Also, we have been given creative freedom
which is great!
Shedding some light about her equation
with Karan Patel and Divyanka Tripathi,
Neena stated, "I think Karan is a brilliant
actor. Also, Divyanka and I share a good
bond and we look good together. That is
probably why we have so many mother-
daughter scenes together. If you go to see,
our entire cast is very like-minded. The
entire unit is like family and I think that is
the reason Yeh Hai Mohabbatein creates
magic!
Well said Neena!

http://www.tellychakkar.com/tv/tv-news/we-have-lot-of-creative-freedom-yeh-hai-mohabbatein-neena-kulkarni-170101.