TV is 100% female dominated: Apara Mehta

Apara Mehta tells Jyothi Venkatesh that she is not cut out to be a producer like Smriti Irani as well as she has much more to share with readers.

Comedy Circus is not your very first attempt at taking part in a reality show. Isn't it?
It is not my first attempt actually. Though it is my first attempt at participating in a reality comedy show, in effect Comedy Circus is my second attempt at taking part in a reality show. The first time I took part in a reality show was Jhoom India on Sahara One where I tried my hand at singing.

Which do you find is tough? Taking part in a reality comedy show or a reality singing show!
Any reality show whether you are trying your hand at doing comedy or singing is quite tough, especially because your talent is put on display for judgment and it can be quite unnerving for the participants, especially if he or she is not a professional singer or for that matter a stand up comedian.

How did you bag this offer to take part in Comedy Circus?
You see, Optimix, which had actually produced the reality show Jhoom India for Sahara One, is producing Comedy Circus, too.

I received a call from the production house well in advance asking me to set aside my dates for their show, when I was in USA acting in the Gujarathi play Khemcho Majama.

I had had a great experience earlier while taking part in the show Jhoom India with Optimix and there was no way that I was not going to miss the opportunity to be a part of their reality show.

How was the experience of being a stand up comedian in the show like Comedy Circus?
To tell you the truth, taking part in Comedy Circus is like doing a play. The viewer may feel that we are doing our job effortlessly when they watch us performing our stand up acts on the small screen, but it is quite a tough task.

You are known for your serious image as far as TV serials are concerned. How did you dare to take part in a comedy show like Comedy Circus?
It is only in Hindi TV serials that the viewers have not seen me essaying a comedy role.

People who have watched me do comedy plays in Gujarathi with actors like Dilip Joshi and the late Jatin Kanakiya will vouchsafe the fact that I have an excellent comic streak to me as an actor. In Gujarathi theatre, you cannot afford not to have comic instinct.

How do you prepare yourself for your act in Comedy Circus?
During the day time I rehearse vigorously for my act in Comedy Circus and at night devote my time for the rehearsals for my play. I told my partner that I was keen on doing an act, which will also drive home a message full of emotions. I am particular that my act should bring a smile on the face of the viewers but they should not end up doing ha ha ha brazenly.

Did you meet your partner for the first time on the show?
Yes. I had not watched Comedy Circus earlier. It was for the first time that I met my partner on the sets of the show. It is definitely a new challenge for me as a performer.

At this stage in my career as an actor, I am desperately looking for challenges. In fact after taking part in two reality shows till date, I am very keen on taking part in more reality shows.

Does it mean that you are now ready to take part even in a Jhalak Dikhla Jaa?
Yes. For me, being on the sets of a reality show is like breathing on the stage. I am ready to take part even in a dance show like Jhalak Dikhla Jaa so that I can easily reduce my weight by 20 kilos.

Not many are aware of the fact that I am not only a trained singer but a dancer, too. As an Actor, I feel that it is better for me to learn every day and explore my various facets as an actor.

What has happened to your track in Saat Phere?
I am in a paralytic state in Saat Phere, because earlier I had gone to USA for my plays and now I am doing Comedy Circus and cannot afford to concentrate on any other show at this point of time. As soon as I am through with Comedy Circus, I will be back with Saat Phere.

How satisfied are you as far as your career is concerned?
I couldn't have asked for more. Can you believe it, I have been on the television almost every single day for the past twelve years doing this or that show without fail. Which I think is a world record.

I have to my credit quite a few successful serials like Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, Jassi Jaisi Koyi Nahin, Saat Phere, Kyonki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi etc. I am proud to state that I have been associated with the best that TV has offered till date to the viewers.

Can you elucidate on this?
I have acted in almost eleven dailies which have run into over 1000 episodes till date. I think I must have about 3500 episodes of various serials of mine put together till date.

The most popular serial of mine till date has been Kyonki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi which fetched me recognition as far as the Hindi audience is concerned. As an actor, however, I enjoyed working in Saat Phere. I loved acting in Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, which was my first ever daily on TV.

Would you agree that you have been thoroughly wasted as an actor in films?
Let's face facts. Today I am at a point where I want to explore newer things. I have acted in Abbas-Mustan's film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke and I have done a tiny part in Devdas.

I do not think any actor can afford to say No when Sanjay Leela Bhansali calls you personally and requests you to play a cameo in his film. Can you?

Would you say that you are content with whatever you have achieved as far as TV is concerned?
Today, whether you like it or not, TV is one hundred percent female dominated, right from producers to the actors and as such I have no complaint at all because I get more scope for acting as far as television is concerned.

Do you plan to emulate your dear friend Smriti Irani and launch a TV serial as a producer like her?
I have seen Smriti growing as an actor, because I have been sharing the make up room with her for almost six years and have shared the various ups and downs in life with her. Though I am happy with her progress as a producer of TV serials, I do not think I am cut out to be a producer like Smriti. -Jyothi Venkatesh