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Today on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya when Hindus shell their moolah for gold investments, Ashwini Kalsekar (Aadira bua of Jeete Hai Jiske Liye) follows suit but her indulgence is a brand new Tata Safari Dcor. And it's not just a regular model - this one's going to be custom made to her taste!

Most actors opt for a limited edition but Ashwinijust didn't think it would be perfect for her; she reasons, "I wanted a car that would accommodate my necessities; I do my make-up in it, so good lighting is vital. I also need a refrigerator in my vehicle, a monitor for my DVD player, but all of that does some in a fully loaded Dcor. There are a few more things I wish to improvise, however it will take it's time as I haven't found the right people to get the changes done my way."

So is she going to bring it in with a lot of aplomb? "No, I am not the pompous types. Also, it's just a car and not big a thing. I will perform the ritual pooja as it is a propitious day, after which the car will be welcomed home. We will later drive it to the local temple." She is hushed up on the price stating that the changes are minor.

The car brings in a sigh of relief for Kalsekar as travelling has been quite a task for some days now. She drives to all her shoots in boyfriend Murli's (Sharma) car. "Yes, I am using his vehicle for a while and the poor guy is forced to use public transport. He travels in cabs to all his shoots and assignments and still insists that I take the car." It touches Ashwini to see how her man's love manifests even in little things like these. "It is so sweet, he knows I can not bear the heat, it just drains me out and with the gruelling shooting sessions, I have no stamina left. He understands it all and it's such a big sacrifice on his part, especially in the scorching summer."

Love is definitely in the air and as she drives in with her Safari today, she will make life comfortable for Murli as well!

Apara Mehta, popular for her role as Savita chachi in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. has now bagged Virrudh, where she plays mom-in-law to Smriti Irani once again. "Smriti and I make a great pair. Our chemistry has always worked, which is why I was offered the role," she says denying rumours about her and Smriti not being on good terms.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q There were rumours about Smriti and you not being on good terms.

Not true. We've always shared a good relationship, worked together for so many years and have never come in each other's way. When Smriti offered me this role, the only reason why I was skeptical about taking it up was because it was totally de-glamourised, no jewellery or make-up. Yet I took it up because it was challenging and the script was good.

Q How is Smriti as a producer and as an actress?

Smriti is doing very well as a producer. She is always well prepared and ready with her script for the actors' convenience. As an actress, Smriti is brilliant.

Q Now that you have found out that Vasudha is Dhirendra's daughter, what is going to happen next? Will your character change?

Yes, now that a lot of things are revealed and a lot of confusion cleared, I have found out that Vasudha is Dhirendra's daughter. I will want Vasudha to marry my son so that I can trouble Dhirendra further. In an upcoming episode, you will watch me go to Dhirendra's house and literally tear him to pieces in my sweet, calm tone. It's worth watching.

Q How has your experience been so far on Virrudh?

Good so far, but to tell you the truth, I had difficulty in portraying the role and grasping the character because it was so different. After I joined the serial, I realised that I had to be on my toes all the time because I was working with some brilliant actors.

Q Your character as Kukki Kakisa in Saat Phere was scheduled for a comeback. Does Virrudh rule out such a possibility?

Yes, there were talks but I don't know what is going to happen. I really liked my character in Saat Phere. It was the best-written negative character. Though it was a three-month cameo, it was extended to four months. I'd love to be back.

Q How many serials are you working in at present?

Three serials. In Solhaah Shringar I do not have too much of screen time. It's on and off. My other shows are Karam Apna Apna and Virrudh. I've also been doing a lot of theatre, yet I'm managing my schedules well.

Q What's the difference in working with Ekta Kapoor and the others?

Once an actor works for Balaji Telefilms, he/she has trouble working elsewhere because you get pampered at Balaji's sets. Though the next day's script is decided just the previous day and sometimes dates go haywire, everything else balances it. Outside, everything is organised but one does not get the kind of treatment you get at Balaji.

Q Have you thought of becoming a producer?

(Laughs) Why should I take the trouble of running behind actors? I'm better off as an actor.

Q Is your daughter going to take up acting?

Yes. My 21-year-old daughter has written a play and she is also acting in it. I'm happy the way she has dealt with such a serious topic. The play is a hit. we have done around 36 shows in 30 days.

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