The natural

Indian soap queen Smriti Irani makes her international stage debut in Dubai on Friday

On Friday, Dress Circle, the theatre division of Oberoi Middle East Events, will present a family play Kuchh Tum Kaho Kuchh Hum Kahen at Hotel Renaissance Dubai.

What made you take up a stage assignment?

As an artist I always want to learn more about my craft and what better medium than stage to do that! Here the audience sees you live and the reaction is instant. I was keen to do something different but within my preferred parameters.

What attracted you to this particular play?

Kuchh Tum Kaho Kuchh Hum Kahen is a very contemporary story depicting two generations of a family and showing both sides of the coin.

It brings forth views of both genders too. As Tulsi, I have got an audience from 6 to 60. This play offered me the chance to do something that will appeal to that audience and yet be different.

Were you nervous?

Not really. But the challenge was to be accepted not only by my audience but also by my co-actors such as Firoze Bhagat and Apara Mehta, both of whom are veteran stage artists trained by the best in business. Just working with them on the same stage teaches you a lot of new things about the craft of acting.

How did you approach the character of Tulsi?

I am not the sort of actress who does a lot of research and wants to get into the skin of the character.

I just tried to keep Tulsi as natural as possible. So you won't see Tulsi using heavy make-up, jewellery and designer clothes, her appeal is more through characterisation and scenes.

Small vs big screens – how different is the appeal?

In movies, the appeal lasts for a few weeks or a month at the most. After Sholay and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, have we seen any real blockbusters? Where is any scope of character development within the movie's three hours, when the hero, heroine, villain and comedian have been assigned their set bits?

In comparison, television soaps really offer you the chance to explore the character. You are in front of the audience for four-five days every week. Especially when you manage to retain the show's popularity and TRP for five years running, then it is a special cause for pride.

How do you plan to break the Tulsi mould?

Kyunki Saas and Tulsi will always be most special chapters in my career.

But with my role in politics and hosting interactive TV shows like Kuchh Dil Se, I have managed to carve my own niche as Smriti Irani. Coming from a simple family, not having any big connections, I still managed to achieve all this and I am happy with it.

What is the price of fame?

It's nothing if you manage to keep your professional life away from your personal life. One doesn't have to compromise with one's values to be famous.

About jealousy and threats, as a public figure, one has to accept such risks and misadventures. I take it philosophically.

Any special message for Dubai fans?

I have always won love and respect of the audience as Tulsi. Now I hope Dubai audiences will accept and appreciate me in this new venture.