Ekta Kapoor is getting ready for her most ambitious venture yet - a dynastic saga which is probably going to be the most expensive she has ever produced starring actress Amrita Singh in a major comeback role.

But "Kul", which will go on air in January 2005, is not based on the American soap "Dynasty", Ekta clarifies firmly.

"Not at all. It's about lineage and how it affects your destiny as an individual and a professional. It's about the bloodline that ties people and the flesh that separates them," she says.

Is "Kul" going to be different from Ekta's other soaps?

"I'm not interested in doing anything very different from what I'm identified with. If I make something different I'll end up watching it alone in my drawing room."

"Kul" is obviously the Next Big Thing for Ekta. She's going all out to ensure it turns out as lavish as possible. Eminent big-screen writer and filmmaker Ramesh Talwar is going to be roped in to write the serial.

Says Ekta, "After 'Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi', which is my favourite from among all my soaps, 'Kul' will be another family saga. This will be a really big one, I can tell you that."

In the meanwhile, her new serial "K. Pali Hill" has got off to a tame start. "That may be so," concedes Ekta. "But it was never meant to be an instant starter. I know 'K. Pali Hill' will take off after about 60 episodes."

A lot of her detractors feel Ekta's desperation to cling on to her high TRPs shows in the way major characters are being bumped off in the current soaps.

"But it's working, isn't it?" she giggles. "The death and resurrection of Anurag's character in 'Kasauti Zindagi Kay' had everyone hooked. And now by sheer coincidence two characters on two soaps 'Kahiin To Hoga' and 'Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' played by the same actor (Rohit Bakshi) has died. But that's just a coincidence. It isn't because Rohit gave us any attitude. We've no problem with most of our actors. It's funny how I get attitude from the most unexpected places."

Ekta still shudders at the mention of Inder Kumar who had joined the cast of 'Kyunkii Saas Bhi Bahu Thi' for some time to play the popular character Mihir. After that bitter experience didn't she swear off cine actors for keeps? If so, why Amrita Singh in "Kul"? Haven't big screen stars proved big flops on the small screen?

Says Ekta: "We haven't selected Amrita Singh because of who she is -- but because when I close my eyes I see her in the character of the strong woman in 'Kul'. The mistake that these soaps with cine stars make is to weave the entire plot around the star attraction. The product becomes a lopsided vehicle for the star. I was the one who initiated the belief that film stars don't work in soaps. I'd love to be the first one to break it.

"I believe if a show works, everyone involved with it works as well. I may never sign another big screen actor. On the other hand, if I feel the need to sign someone from cinema I won't think twice."

Though pivotal and powerful, apparently Amrita Singh won't be playing the central role. "She plays the catalyst in the plot. It'd be interesting to see Amrita Singh in such a powerful role."

The main role will be played by a young male actor.

Television stars seem to be acquiring new levels of popularity. "The actor who plays Sujal in 'Kahiin To Hoga' is hugely popular with girls. I found him when he came to an audition in Delhi. I told him the role in 'Kahiin To Hoga' will change his life. And it has," chortles Ekta.

Breaking away from the normal remunerative pattern, Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms will pay Amrita Singh a lump sum of Rs. 900,000 per month.

"Contrary to the belief that I exploit my actors, I pay my actors and technicians many times more money than they're paid by other companies," says Ekta.