Interview--Amrita Singh

Why a two-year gap between your first soap Kkavyanjali and Kaun Jeetega Bollywood ka Ticket? It was intentional. I wanted a long stress-free break and I took it. I spent time with my kids, I moved house after 25 years.. which is a monumental change for me and my children. I did a couple of movies too. Now, I'm back on TV . What prompted the return? Because it's entirely on my terms. It airs once a week, so the hours are convenient. Also, I'm not just any Rita, Nita or Prita on the show I'm Amrita Singh, I'm a mentor. And of course, I get to work with a boss I love so much, Ekta Kapoor. She gave me work - Kkavyanjali - when I needed it most and she pam- pers me so much. You must have received offers from other reality shows too, right? Frankly I don't know if there were , any such offers. Because in these two years, I didn't look at TV stuff at all. I know that sounds arrogant but.. I can take on something only if it suits me and my children. They are my first priority if a show .. understands that I'll take it on. Since the show's panel will be scoutingforthenextactor-actressjodi forBollywood,whatdo youthinkmakes a great actor or actress? Ha ha, I'm still trying to figure that out for myself. Haveyoueveridentifiedwithanyofthe women you've portrayed? Never. My kids are shocked when they see me in the movies. I inten- tionally never pick roles which are like me.. playing oneself would be so boring. You turned 40 this year.. are you satisfied with the way your life has worked out? Careerwise, I'm very satisfied, I've got much more than I could ever expect. Is there a dearth of roles for over-30s actresses in the movies? What do you think? I know I would- n't watch a film with a middle-aged heroine unless it was a really intel- ligent film. Most heroines never get to do strong roles in their 20s either. What do you think of 25-year-olds on television playing mum to girls their age? It's their personal choice, yaar. What do you enjoy watching on TV? I hardly watch TV I never grew up . with a mindset of entertainment on television. But my kids and I enjoyed Nach Baliye. We watched all three seasons religiously. How would you rate yourself as a single mum? I'm a brilliant single mum. Do you miss a man in your life? Not for the kids, no. I miss a man for other reasons.. that's so obnox- ious but it's true. Have you ever dreamt of a fantasy romance? (Laughs) Are you kidding me? I've lived out all my fantasies! No more fantasies then? Aha, what would you know! (Kaun Jeetega Bollywood ka Ticket will air on 9X)