Baa comes calling

Lakshmi Ajay / Jan 13, 2008, 00:00 IST

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Sudha Shivpuri on what it’s like being television’s favourite grandma.

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Sudha Shivpuri . (TOI Photo)An National School of Drama graduate and someone who had relegated the profession of acting for almost 16 years and came back as the country most endearing baa on television’s Kyunki saans bhi kabhi bahu thi, Sudha Shivpuri is definitely someone who is aware of her larger than life image as she poses with scores of fans patiently.
The famous baa who has endured the trials and tribulations of the Virani family for seven long years was in the city recently with her bahu Gautami Gadgil Kapoor aka Tulsi to talk about the script change in the serial.
So does she identify with her character? “The love of my fans has been instrumental in making baa an icon. I am very glad to have got this role at this time of my life. The character has made such an impact on people that I am given a lot of love and respect whenever people meet me. It is a humbling experience and I have tried to give some of my personal shades to baa for sure.” You know she takes her role seriously when she says “Today’s children get tired of their elders, because they always talk down to them and keep talking about the good old days. That would not do today. You should try to level with the youngsters and try to understand them.”
While a lot of negative criticism comes in the way of K-serials and mostly Kyunki.. because of its numerous generation leaps and script changes, Sudha clarifies, “Real life is much more cruel than the twists and turns we show in the serial. I myself am part of a huge family and know that when a family member chooses a wrong life partner it can affect the whole family.” Both Gautami and Sudha seem to share warm vibes even though, Smriti Iraani who previously played Tulsi was Sudha’s good friend in the unit. So does she miss her? “Of course I do, but I get along fabulously with Gautami as she is a very high energy person and keeps us on our toes. Our unit is like a family and even when people leave the serial they will always miss that.”

Ekta Kapoor, is someone that Sudha is all praise for, “Ekta meri laadli beti hai. She is a very hard-working girl and is creatively involved with all the serials despite all the flak she has recieved. I will always be grateful to Balaji for giving me the first break in television.” So why is she not seen in any Bollywood films, despite having a successful run as the country’s most popular baa, “There is a time and age for Bollywood and I am quite satisfied with the work I have on hands. Bollywood requires a lot of time and energy which I sadly lack,” who was last seen in the film Pinjar.
Sudha is all praise for the Hindi theatre scene today, “Hindi theatre is still as good as it was in the yesteryears. Youngsters have definitely taken an initiative in elevating the position of the theatre scenario today with interesting scripts and formats.” The telly’s most loveable baa signs off by saying that, “At this point in life all I can say is that, Bhagwaan ne mujhe chappad phad ke pyaar diya hai.” Famous last words that!

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