Return To form

Shilpa Shirodkar,who dazzled in Kishen Kanhaiya,Aankhen,Hum and Khuda Gawah,on her comeback to the small screen with Zee TVs Ek Muthi Aasman

August 16, 2013 12:15 AM IST

4 min read

Its amazing to get back to work. I grew up in front of the camera and knew nothing better than acting. It has been the longest love affair and though marriage and having a daughter are the happiest and most satisfying experiences of my life,acting has always been my passion. So when the channel approached me with the serial,Ek Muthi Aasman,on the issue of domestic helps,the unsung bais of our country,I couldnt resist.

Coming from a traditional Marathi family,I married a man (Aparesh Ranjit) chosen by my mother. Back then,Aparesh was studying in the Netherlands and I shifted there. In 2000,there was no dearth of film offers but I knew I had to get my priorities in order and marriage had to be the focus at that point. Ive stayed with him in the Netherlands,New Zealand and London for the last 10 years and we have a lovely daughter,Anushka. So,I never really missed the arclights. It was when my parents passed away five years ago that Namrata (my sister) and I decided it was time to stay closer. So I shifted to Mumbai with my family. I felt it was time to come back and explore interesting acting opportunities. All this while,I somehow never lost touch with my manager,Rakesh Nath (Rikku),and it was he who came with this offer and I simply loved the script.

Yes,the obvious question is why not pick up from where I left? Why not sign films like Madhuri Dixit Nene and Sridevi? I feel I would be a fool for thinking that things are as it is,the way I left them. The times have changed. Ive grown up,become maturer and while films will eventually happen,television seemed a better option. I am an actor first,and the medium automatically becomes secondary. I will be acting in films in the future. There is an upcoming one with my manager Rikku,who is planning to launch his son next year. In the meantime,many Bollywood actors are venturing into the small screen and why not? It has a great reach and impact and there couldnt be a better time to make a comeback.

Television has changed drastically. Getting back on the sets was surreal as a lot has changed technically. There are more people,there is more professionalism and many monitors to check your look. On my first day on the set,when I faced the camera,I was impressed and nervous. But I felt at ease once the director shouted Action. Yes,there is admiration and respect on the sets,but I dont expect anyone to give me special treatment.

Another reason I chose television and this show is because it is a woman-oriented story. In the serial,I play the role of Kamla bai,a strong and ambitious woman. She wants the best for her kids and works hard so that they dont have to live the life she did. She is a proud and determined woman. There is a lot of thought put into this show,and it goes beyond the stereotypes and usual drama,which is the main reason I agreed to it. Staying abroad,I realised the importance of having a help at home. Believe me,it is tough running a house without help. Here,all I have to do is instruct my bai,and everything is taken care of,from my home,kitchen and cleaning to my daughter. As a result,I could get back to work. I respect my bai. It is only because of her that my home runs like a well-oiled machine. Im happy playing her on screen.

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