Sucheta Khanna, who plays Kokila Kulkarni in Shrimaan Shrimati Phir Se on SAB TV, speaks to SHAlINI SAKSENA about her role and how doing not so conventional roles has been purely coincidental
What is your role in Shrimaan Shrimati Phir SeIJ
I play Kokila (Koki); the role that was played by the late Reema lagoo in the original series. Koki is a very simple Maharastrian housewife who shares a friendly relationship with her husband. There is a lot of naughtiness in her.
Did you see the original seriesIJ How is this one differentIJ
I was very young but I used to love watching it. The only difference between the original and Shrimaan Shrimati Phir Se is that the faces are different. The andaaz is the same, essence is the same. Even the blocking is more or less the same.
Would you say that it is correct to make comparisons thenIJ
It is alright to make comparisons. The original Shrimaan Shrimati was such a cult show. We are hoping that this new show touches the same kind of cords as the first one did. What makes people laugh today has changed. I don't know if the same kind of comedy works anymore since the times are different. But I hope that because the first one did so brilliantly this one will do well so as well.
How did you start your career. Was it films or TVIJ
It was neither. My career started in the ad world. I used to do a lot of fashion photography. I was a model and did a lot of ramp and fashion features. A lot of people told me I had very expressive eyes wondering why I didn't try my hand at promotion ads. I started doing a lot of ads and that's how I got into movies. I was launched by ABCl Ventures but the film never released. I had signed three films with Pooja Bhatt Productions. She called and told me that she was not doing a film but a TV show where she was acting herself. That's how TV began.
You started with films but shifted to TV. WhyIJ
Since none of the films I had done released and I got such a wonderful opportunity to work with Pooja and Vikram Bhatt - I thought: 'If the big can do it, so can I'.
What has been the best and the worst of the TV industryIJ
My experiences with all the shows have been very good. When I started off, we used to work from 9 am to 6 pm. But today, we have to work for 12 hours. I tell people that I work in a factory. There are telecast issues and there is need to put in that many hours. There are no options. If one is prepared, nothing is bad. There is no ugly side to this industry.
You are doing two shows right now. How are you managingIJ
This is the first time that I am doing this. Till now I have done only four-five daily soap, most of them being bi-weekly (Kadvee Khattee Meethi) or weekly (Karamchand on Sony - 2007). Doing two shows is a tad easy since the shows have different date demands. One needs 20-22 days and the 10 for Shrimaan Shrimati... The production houses are on good terms with each other and that helps me as an actor. The only problem is that I don't get 'me' time which I need. But I don't want to compromise on work just because of this. I love comedy so love working.
You have done unconventional roles. Has that been a conscious effortIJ
I am lucky that such diverse roles have come my way. It was not a conscious decision. I am blessed that what has come to me, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Is there space for filmsIJ
Not at all. But I always want to do films. The discipline there is very different. I don't want to keep my producers waiting. For the next six months, there is no scope unless my contract for one of the shows gets over. A bird in hand is better than two in the bush. I did two films when I was doing lapataganj as then the dates were flexible
Which genre excites youIJ
When I read a script, it has to click with me. I go with my instincts. I do roles that I know I can do. If I feel ‘yes I can do it’, I take it up.