She has played a diva, a mean saas and even a ruthless vamp, but this role as Mai in Uttaran was the toughest of them all. For a convent educated girl, Kruthika Desai found it hard to get used to the diction and the mannerisms of the character she plays. But now, she is slowly but surely settling down in her new avatar, the seasoned actress tells Deebashree Mohanty
You are very choosy about your roles. What made you take up this role in UttaranIJ
I don’t believe in doing serials just to be in the job. For me, to be a part of any soap the role has to really excite me. There’s got to be ample scope for me to experiment. I should feel like starting work from tomorrow onwards. That is the kind of a script that I cannot say no to. The producers are good friends who knew my hunger for exciting projects. Rupali had already thought of the character and she wanted me to give it a shot. I did sleep over the script for a couple of days. It was not a typical role in a typical drama. It is the flagship show of Colors and the role was meaty.
You have entered the show after 1000 episodes. Was it difficult to make space for yourself in this huge familyIJ
Initially, it felt strange to enter such a close-knit family. They’re so fond of each other. Some stars would skip breakfast with family to have it on the sets with friends. It took me a few weeks to get accustomed. I am still getting to know them all but they have been nice to me.
Difficult to be MaiIJ
The role is not a difficult one. I have played a vamp earlier and so it was no big deal. But yes, I was nervous when we began shooting. I was facing the camera after a break of a couple of months. Also the pressure of performance was weighing heavy. Uttaran is a great show that has carved a niche for itself. I couldn’t make a fool of myself here.
How about the dictionIJ
Hindi is not my first language so it was not easy to get into the groove from day one. The diction was particularly hard. Since I had no hold over the language, I banked heavily on Anilji to give me perfect dialogues. I was not in any position to make grammatical corrections. I used to mug up a lot of lines. Now after a month, I am well settled.
As for the diction, I owe that to my driver who gave me lessons in how to speak Hindi this way. I would tell him a line and he would teach me pronunciation. ‘Bahuria’ was his making. And we liked it so much that it has become a part of the show.
Were you a fan of this show before being a part of itIJ
I used to follow it every once in a while. Rupali, the producer, is a great friend and she would call me many times for the feedback on some episodes, so that got me watching a lot more of Uttaran. I liked what I saw — the concept, the performances and the screenplay are absolutely refreshing.
There are a few cameos in Bollywood lined up for you later this year. How will you manage both jobsIJ
If I don’t act, what am I going to doIJ I make it a point not to stress myself and take breaks in between shows and films. But I still have it in me to shoot non-stop for 10 hours. That’s good for TV and films. Plus, I don’t take up roles that don’t suit my timeframe.
Your choice, TV or filmsIJ
Theatre. I’m an out-and-out theatre person. Even now, I can’t resist bunking a few shoots so I can be part of a theatre act. It is the purest form of entertainment for me. Between TV and films, I’ll choose TV because it is a medium that reaches to a lot more people than a film. The kind of exposure you get on TV is unbelievable.
How has a theatre background helped you in your acting careerIJ
It has made me more disciplined and much more serious about the role and the show as a whole. I’m a thorough professional, thanks to my theatre days. I don’t take anyone’s time or money for granted.
Have you seen any remarkable change in the industry nowadaysIJ
I’ve been around in this business for a little over 17 years now and yes, times have changed rather drastically. There are some good effects and there are bad ones too. We’ve got grand sets, larger-than-life depictions and technology plays a huge part in shows. But there’s a flip side to it too. I feel, actors are less serious and disciplined these days. The soap dish today is number driven. There’s drama and gore. Many plots are done and re-done for hype. Earlier, the TRPs didn’t play such a role. Serials were made because they had to be made. There was a social message to them. That’s not the case today.
What about the talent of actors these daysIJ
There are some very good actors on TV. I’m very happy to see how they have grown. I have a lot of regard for Aruna Iraniji who is one of the best actors on TV and so is Alok Nath. There are some new kids who are good too. Tina Dutta (Iccha) is gifted and so is Ayub Khan.
Do you think a vamp has been typecast in the industryIJ
Today, a vamp can be anyone — a close friend, sister, brother, mother and even your wife. She’s made to look gorgeous, wears glamorous clothes and is a part of the household. Those days this was unthinkable. The vamp had to be a bad person, period! The make-up was done accordingly. But look at our vamps today — Rashmi Desai, Mauli Ganguly etc, these are beautiful girls.
Is there any particular role you wish you had doneIJ
I love Kalyani Devi’s role in Balika Vadhu. I think she is most suitable to do the role but in case the channel needs a replacement, I will be more than happy to step into her shoes.