Bollywood News

Routine saas-bahu dramas are a "once is enough" case for TV actress Rati Pandey, who has garnered praises galore for her portrayal of a strict, stubborn and over-possessive Indira in Zee TV's "Hitler Didi".

The bubbly actress, who has featured in shows like "Miley Jab Hum Tum", "Raat Hone Ko Hai" and saas-bahu saga "Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai", is averse to shows with a heavy dose of "rona dhona".

"After having done a saas-bahu drama once in my career, I would like to explore other types of roles. As long as the show has a different concept, I am open to doing it. I don't like saas-bahu dushmani, rona dhona type serials. I think they've had their moment under the sun, they're outdated now, " said Rati.

She feels there are many sides of a woman, and these sort of shows limit it just to two aspects.

"Those shows project only two done-to-death stereotypical images of a woman ... They're either the evil, ever-scheming, ever-plotting breed or they fall in the category of the demure damsels perennially in distress.

There are so many other aspects to a woman's character. I like shows that feature women as well-rounded individuals with depth of character, rather than painting them as limp, uni-dimensional caricatures, " she said.

That is also one reason why she took up the role of Indira, an independent girl who takes the responsibility of her family, single-handedly.

"While Indira has had to face some difficult circumstances, there are also several lighter aspects to her life that are brought out on the show, " said Rati, who detests the idea of playing negative roles.

"If I am offered a role which is not only noticeable but also challenging to the core in a serial, I am game to do even a negative role. However, let me reiterate that I do not want to be yet another vamp in yet another saas bahu serial.

I do not wish to play the vamp in any saas-bahu show for the simple reason that the actresses playing these roles are required to not only wear loud makeup which I find obnoxious, but are also expected to ham ridiculously, resorting to all kinds of exaggerated mannerisms and facial contortions. Strictly avoidable!" she added.

However, a music reality show is definitely on her mind.

"I would love to do a reality show someday, but the show should be music-related. I can't live without music. Music is like relaxation therapy for me. Right now it's just a hobby and I am not yet talking about getting into it as a professional. But I would like to go down that path someday.

"But how good I am as a singer, only time will tell. In fact I was to come up with an album of peppy numbers with Piyush Soni but there was an inordinate delay in the project. In any case, I prefer to go slow and steady instead of zooming to the top overnight and crashing down with a thud shortly, " she said.