Actress Vani Tripathi, who is making her big screen debut with "Dil Se Pooch... Kidhar Jaana Hai", quit television because she had "ideological differences" on the portrayal of women on the small screen.

"The way women are portrayed in TV serials is very regressive. We have grown up in lovely families, there are disagreements and agreements but no mother kills her son," Vani, told.

Vani, who recently participated in the Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit at Seoul, also disagrees with the way children are portrayed on television.

"Children are used like a commodity in advertisements. Nobody writes about children. The channels for children churn out nonsense. There is no alternative for them," said Vani, who was seen as a rich spoilt brat in Zee TV's "Choti Maa - Ek Anokha Bandhan".

Off screen Vani plays various roles - she is a model, an animal activist, a theatre artist, a wildlife photographer, a writer and a trained classical singer.

Earlier the actress was seen on the big screen in "Chalte Chalte" and "Inteqam - The Perfect Game" but couldn't prove herself as an eye catcher.

Now in "Dil Se Pooch...Kidhar Jaana Hai" she is hoping to highlight her acting prowess as a Muslim prostitute Aliya.

"The film is about how the socio-political situations can trample an individual's freedom. It was a very challenging role for me. I lost 13 kg for this role," said Vani.

Directed by national award winner Shrirang Dhawale, the film shows two friends separated during the Mumbai riots. And when they meet several years later - one is a prostitute and the other a cop, played by Aditya Srivastava of "CID" fame.

Aditya Said: "'Dil Se Pooch...' is a high voltage social drama about the 1993 riots. It has a dramatic script and powerful dialogues. Though it is a woman centric film, I play a rich role, as there are many dramatic situations in the film."

Both Vani and Aditya had a great experience while shooting the film.

"It was a joyous experience. As all the actors in the film are from theatre, it was challenging. Everybody was equally good and spontaneous. And with every scene, it was like you are pushing the envelope a little further," said Vani.

Aditya echoed her sentiments. "If you come from the same background and are likeminded, it increases your energy level."

Both the actors have great expectations from the film.

"I believe the film is a big wake up call for those who talk about empowerment standing from a pedestal. This film will definitely create a debate," said Vani.

"It is celebration time for small budget movies. I pray our hard work yields fruitful results," added Aditya.

Vani believes in content-driven cinema and wants to reflect her ideas through her work. She has a Canadian project in hand but says its premature to talk about it.

Aditya, who finds himself a misfit in the world of candyfloss romance, dons villainous roles in Anurag Kashyap's "Black Friday" and Hansal Mehta's "Raakh".