Television producer, director and actor Aroona Irani has now joined hands with Ekta Kapoor and denies rumours that the young entrepreneur is her archrival.

"Who said that? She is not my rival," said Aroona, who has earlier played myriad roles in Bollywood films.

"As far as rivalry is concerned, I am in this business and I think everybody who is into serial making is my rival. But that doesn't mean I can't work with them," Aroona told via phone from Mumbai.

"First, I am an actor and I can choose to act with anybody. And I think working with Balaji Telefilms is going to be a great experience for me," she said.

The senior actress forays into Ekta's "Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki" as Kalyani Devi who comes to Parvati's (the protagonist) rescue at a time when she is helpless and without any support from her family.

"I play the same role in Parvati's life that Lord Krishna played in Arjun's life," she enthused.

Aroona, who has made serials like "Mehndi Tere Naam Ki", "Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand" and "Vaidehi", says TV is a very competent medium. "It is no less than film. Look at the presentation, the look of the stars, costumes - everything is so up to the mark."

But she has no plans to direct or act in films.

"Where are the good roles for aging actresses? There are roles for actors like Paresh Rawal or Boman Irani, not for us. Since Jayaji's (Jaya Bachchan) role in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' I haven't seen any senior actress playing a substantial role," she rued.

"I don't think I'll direct a film in the near future because nothing is clear in my mind. Only big budget films are made and they need big stars who are associated with either big banners or corporate houses."

When asked about the unrealistic portrayal of joint families in Ekta's soaps, she said: "Watch it just as a drama. If we start showing authentic stories, it'll become boring and nobody will watch it. We have to throw plenty of drama in soaps to make them interesting. Just see the stars, the story. Don't relate it to real life."