Laughter Therapy
As Mrs Tendulkar, we see you doing a lot of household chores in the show. Do you do them in real life too?
Earlier too in Dekh Bhai Dekh, you played a character where you did household chores...
In Dekh Bhai Dekh, I played Karima, the servant of the house. But in Mrs Tendulkar I am a writer by profession who scripts successful daily soaps. I work from home while my wife goes out to work. We live in the office quarters provided by the bank and the residents find it weird to see the man of the house sitting at home and doing the chores while the wife goes out to work. So they call me Mrs Tendulkar.
You have been working in the television industry since a long time. Which are the years that you enjoyed the most?
During Dekh Bhai Dekh, we shot for only eight to 10 days a month as at that time life in the TV industry was not hectic. So the actors had time to pursue their hobbies. I did theatre then during my free time. But now, life has become hectic. There is no time for theatre. Today we work for 12 hours a day, no bank holidays, weekends, or leave for birthday celebrations. Nothing.
You make people laugh in your shows. Are you humorous in real life too?
I am an introvert. Though I take time to mingle, when I am with my close friends, I am at my best. But when it comes to work, I am very serious. I take comic roles seriously. I am a typical Virgo who need things to be perfect. I am a perfectionist.
Your directorial venture Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai was a big hit and you won a lot of awards. Any plans of coming up with the show's second season?
I get a lot of requests regarding the same. But I have no plans as of now, as the members of the team are doing different things. I want the same team on board.
Why is it that you always take up comedy shows?
I have done some serious roles in my previous serials like Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka. I played a gay character back in '90s in the TV show Tara. But slowly and gradually I got offers for playing comic characters. People started liking those roles and I continue making people laugh, but believe me comedy is a tough business.
Dushyant in Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai, Gattu in Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, Karima in Dekh Bhai Dekh or Rohan in Hum Sab Ek Hain...what's your pick?
It is difficult to pick from this list...but I will choose Gattu in Baa Bahoo ... That character gave me immense popularity. The show took me to new heights.
Post Baa Bahoo..., it seems you took a long break, what were you doing?
After the serial got over, I needed a break. I went to Los Angeles for three months to study filmmaking from the University of Southern California. Hollywood biggies like George Lucas and Steven Speilberg were among the few who studied here. When I came back, I got lot of offers for direction but I was not tempted until my friend producer J.D. Majethia came to me with Mrs Tendulkar.
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