I do serials for job satisfaction : Himani Shivpuri

Veteran actress, Himani Shivpuri would now be seen after a long time on television, in a negative role in DJ’s forthcoming Baat Hamari Pakki Hai on Sony Entertainment Television. TellyChakkar grabbed a few minutes with the talented actress. What made you agree to Baat Hamari Pakki Hai? I was so busy with films, that I had not done television for a long time. The last show I did was Ajai Sinha’s Ghar Ek Sapna. DJ’s had approached me earlier too, but I couldn’t take it up so when Deeya and Tony Singh approached me this time, I said ‘yes’. Tell us about your character in the show… I play the character of Saanchi’s (Ankita Sharma) nani (grandmother). Though my character might seem negative, it is not exactly negative. She is simply outspoken or maybe rude at times. It is a very lively and down to earth character. It is a middle-class family which has adopted Saanchi. How far do you agree with the concept of the show? I think it is a ‘slice of life’. It shows a normal middle class family; where the daughter’s marriage is very important. And this show is based on the idea of arranged marriages. I think this concept is very real. Even now 80 per cent of India faces women-related issues like infanticide, etc. So I completely agree with the concept. What are your expectations from DJ’s? As you’re aware, they’re known for their path-breaking shows. Their shows are different from the regular ones we see on TV. I am expecting some freshness. However, I have just started working with them so it’s too early to comment. You have been juggling with films and television. Which is better? Even before I did TV, I have been a theatre artist. Acting is what I love doing. I don’t want to compare the two industries as I like both. I always have done at least one serial despite working in films. Though my films are with big banners, my roles don’t offer me much variety whereas on TV I get to do different roles. In other words, I do serials for job satisfaction. Would you take up any reality show? I think these days, everything is pre-decided but, I wouldn’t mind. I also tried a reality show once. It was a dance competition called Saas v/s Bahu. They wanted me to be a part of it but I was doing two shows at that time. But I took some time off for a small appearance. How are reality shows different in the current scenario? There is a difference. But we can’t really blame them. They’re trying to explore new avenues and bring in more variations. I feel these days they get inspired by ideas from western formats. I have also heard they’re coming up with a show on child marriages. Tell us more about your future projects… There are lots of things happening. I am doing a couple of films. One of them is David Dhawan’s. I am doing realistic films too.