Rupa Ganguly joined Ekta/Anurag Camp

Rupa Ganguly, who is still remembered for her role as Draupadi in Mahabharata, is back as Suguna in Karam Apna Apna. Rupa is excited about her comeback. She says, "It feels nice to be back on national television. I am playing Suguna, Ipshita's mother, in the serial. It is one of the significant characters, who will bring in the much-required twist in the tale. I had been getting calls and mails from Balaji over the last four years, with offers. This time, their offer had been lucrative enough… The schedule will give me a scope to divide my time between my hometown Kolkata and Mumbai."

But, why Balaji? "Frankly, I did not get many calls from other production houses. I found the Balaji people professional enough to work with. Besides, I liked my role in the show."

Reportedly, Karam... is not getting good TRPs. To this she says, "Being an artiste, I only care for my character and nothing else. I am not bothered about TRPs."

So, what kept her away from national television for such a long period? Rupa says, "Actually my son Aakash was very young and I could not leave him alone. Now that he has grown up and we have admitted him to a boarding school, I have ample time to devote to my creative pursuits."

How does she like living in Mumbai? "I have stayed in Mumbai for an extensive period of time when I was doing Mahabharata. Although I have a flat at Lokhandwala, I prefer to stay in Kolkata, closer to my family and friends."

Now that Rupa is in Mumbai for some time, will it affect her film assignments in Kolkata? Rupa says, "After Ritupo*no Ghosh's Antarmahal, I did a few other Bengali movies. I had been a little busy with my family too. I know, Mahabharata gave me recognition; but I wanted to explore many other things as an artiste and therefore left Mumbai."

What about Anurag Basu's new show, Love Story? Says Rupa, "I have already started shooting for the serial. It has two parallel love tracks with an intriguing storyline. It'll be aired soon after the cricket World Cup is over. Right now, I want to concentrate on these two shows and I don't think I have enough time for any other project. As for my film assignments are concerned, I will always take time out for directors like Rituparno Ghosh and Gautam Ghosh."