We have been associating Mandira Bedi with cricket since the past few years, but the lady wants to remind everyone that she's an actor first, and everything else later.

Back on TV as a government agent in an Indian version of an American show, Mandira opens up to CS about her new project, return to acting and motherhood.

A team apart
Anil sir (Anil Kapoor) is a livewire. He brings a different kind of energy onto the sets. People younger than him flop into a chair after running around for an hour, but he's indefatigable.

He is a great motivator, and I feel privileged to be a part of a project that has the likes of him and Shabanaji (Shabana Azmi). They encourage you to bring out give your best as a performer. Funnily, I wasn't being considered for this particular role.


Return to acting
I thoroughly enjoyed being a cricket anchor on TV. I feel great when I see female sports anchors on almost every sports channel. It feels nice to know that I was the first to take the plunge. The last show I did was Kyunki..., which was nine years ago.

I came to TV with a show like Shanti, which had great content. I could not see myself as a part of the shows being made lately. I find them very regressive and uninspiring. So, when I got this chance I grabbed it with both hands. People had stopped looking at me as an actor, I hope to change that with this show.

Sari baat
Well, designing just happened by chance. I enjoy dressing up and creating my own clothes. Sometime back, I bought fabric for a sari, and told the tailor to make a border and give a piping. My husband saw the final product and encouraged me to pursue my designing skills.


Pillar of support
I have been working since the past 19 years. However, life has changed after my son, Vir has come into my life. I really understand how hard it is for a working parent to devote equal time to work and kids. I try to work for five days in a week as much as possible.

On days when I am home, I am with him 24x7. My husband, Raj is a hands-on dad. We make sure that if I am travelling, he's home with the kid and vice versa. He is my biggest pillar of support and source of encouragement.