Gurdeep Kohli, who plays Sethji on Zee TV, talks to SHAlINI SAKSENA about her role and why she said yes to this project
Tell us about your character in Sethiji.
I am playing Sethji. Of course, people are curious as to what this role is all about. It is a padvi bestowed on a man. Basically, he is a mukhiya who runs the entire village. He is the one who takes important decisions on behave of the people who live here. I become sethiji because this post belonged to my husband who has disappeared. There is a mystery here. She takes on the role that her husband used to perform after the villagers ask her to step into his shoes. She is torn between her household duties and her duty towards the villagers.
What made you say yes to this roleIJ
It is a very powerful role; it is a title role. After having spent so many years in the industry, it was time that a role like this came my way. I was lucky that it was offered since very few get an opportunity like this.
So you have finally got your due.
Yes, definitely. I have always got recognition for the characters that I have played. All my characters have been appreciated. For example, in Diya Aur Bati, I had a cameo but it was a turning point in the show. People appreciated it. I have got more than my due since I have been offered Sethji.
A lot of young actors don’t want to play an elderly character. Is it the same for youIJ
I look at the story. Today, the audience wants a show that has substance and a story. Even channels don’t hesitate to pull a show off air if it doesn’t do well. Shows that have a good story run for years; others fizzle out. For a daily soap, the story has to have longevity. Only then there is benefit for all concerned — channel, actors and production house. Sethji, I think has a beautiful flavour to it. Also, if the story is not too good but my character is powerful and is story-driven, I will take it up. I just don’t want to end up being the mother of the hero.
What is the one thing that should change in TVIJ
We need a little more justice when it comes to working hours. I am not just talking about myself. I have reached a stage where I can pick and choose. If people want me, I come with a price tag. But there are a lot of young actors who are working long hours for very little money. That needs to change. Since there is a lot of hard work that actors put in.
What makes Sethji different from what you have done beforeIJ
To begin with, I have so far done very simple roles; it has always been girl-next-door look. But in Sethji, I have a glamour quotient. I am wearing jewellery, have lots of make-up and a great hair-do. Also, my character is walking an edge — a little tilt and my character can become negative when I sit on the gaddi. More so when I have to take some hard decisions and punish people when they break the rules that have been made.
You have only done one film. WhyIJ
To be honest, I have only be offered one film that had a good story. After being in the industry for so long, I don’t want to do a film just for the heck of it. Even films that I am offered need to be story-driven. I am hoping that this serial will open more doors for me.
Do you have a favourite show or film that you loveIJ
To be honest, don’t have time to watch any TV shows. I am shooting for this show. I am also a homemaker and that takes up a lot of my time. As far as films as concerned; there are so many beautiful films being made today. I loved Dangal. I loved Sakshi Tanwar’s character. I hope that sometime down the line I am offered a role like hers.