Riva Bubber, who has now got the lime-light in Star Plus mega serial 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi', justifies her act of protecting her rapist son Mayank.

Q: How does it feel playing a mother to teenage children?
A: See it is just a role and I take it accordingly. It has not happened gradually; I have been working in 'Kyunki...' for almost four years now, so it was not sudden. Frankly speaking I would not do it for another new show. You know it is awkward being a mother of people of the same age as you.

Q: So is it not difficult to emote?
A: Yes it is especially when you know that your 'children' are of the same age or even elder to you. I only call my niece and nephew 'beta' and it does feel awkward. But I know it is just a character that I'm playing.

Q: You are now protecting your son Mayank by blaming someone else. So can we presume that your character has turned grey?
A: Look, I think that it is justified. Mayank is basically not a bad guy and neither is he mentally sound. He is also in love with Krishna Tulsi and does not think what he has done is wrong. So under such circumstances, a mother would protect her son.

Q: Do you think in real life too a mother would have resorted to protect her child?
A: Firstly I wish that in real life, such a situation would not arise. Secondly I'm not a mother yet so I do not know what a mother would have done. But I think that going by the situation, a mother would have protected her son.

Q: According to you what is the difference between Tulsi and Damini because Tulsi had shot her son for the crime?
A: Well Tulsi is one of those people who are just and nothing comes in the way of her justice, be it a son. She is a kind of demigod who treats everyone equally. On the other hand I would say that Damini is more human. She is emotional and flows by emotions and thus I protect my son. There is a scene where I even say this to Tulsi. This is the major difference between their characters.

Q: Do you feel that playing such a mature character would not get you younger roles?
A: I think people are smart. They know that it is a mere character that I'm playing and what my actual age is. So it is not that I will not get these characters where I play a young woman.

Q: Are you satisfied with the character?
A: Yes I'm very much satisfied with the kind of role that I'm playing. It has been four years hence and I have not got bored.

Q: So how does it feel graduating from a teenager to a mother?
A: It feels good. I have had my time of playing a teenager and after my marriage and the leap, I have become a mother. It has been gradual and I'm enjoying it.

Q: How do you manage to wear a saree all throughout the day?
A: Yes initially it was difficult but now I have become used to it. Due to this everyday practice, I have become fast in wearing a saree. Moreover I always loved sarees. I still wear them at award functions. I feel it is beautiful attire for the Indian women. But frankly I do not like wearing suits. I'm more comfortable in jeans and tops rather than wearing salwar suit everyday. But I would wear it if situation demands.

Q: You are a dog lover?
A: Yes I have loved pets ever since my childhood. My mother gifted me my very first dog when I was around eleven years old. Then when two of our dogs died, we decided not to buy any because it would hurt a lot. But of late I could not help but get a dog. I have two dogs at present. I pray they stay healthy and fine.

Q: You also own a dog parlour?
A: Yes I do own a dog parlour. I also make it a point to take my dogs there for grooming. Of late I have not had time to take them there too often, but whenever I visit parlour, I make it a point to take them too. - Mili S.