I never say No to Balaji

Ashwini Kalsekar, the versatile actress is back on the small screen with ‘Kavach- Kali Shaktiyo Se’. She is donning the role of an evil spirit, who seeks revenge in the show.

Back to Balaji, how does it feel?
I never left Balaji. It is my home. So for a few days, I went on vacation, and now I am back to my home. I’m working for Balaji since many years and I wait to get a call from them.

Post ‘Itna Karona Mujhse Pyaar’, you were not seen in any shows. Why?
After the show wrapped up, I started to concentrate on renovating my house. My mother was unwell. So I think God gave me the time to finish my personal work so that I could be back with a bang and that’s what happened. I’m back with ‘Kavach-Kali Shaktiyon Se’.

On a personal level, what kind of relationship do you share with Ekta Kapoor?
Ekta is down to earth and an amazing person. Even her family is so humble and sweet. Although she looks like she is not approachable; that is not the case. She always meets me whenever I’m going on the floor and gives me the narration of the character.

She tells me about nuances of the character. Personally, we don’t meet so much. But the moment I meet her, she makes me feel as if there is nobody like me. Even my mother doesn’t make me feel like that. I know Ekta doesn’t waste my talent. If she gives me a role, I know in what way she will shape it up. She lets me enjoy my work. Whenever I get a call saying “Ekta ma’am wants you to do this role?” I simply say “Ok”.

Did you say yes to Saudamini’s role because it has negative shades?
In television and films, no character is negative and positive. For a negative role, every time there is a story behind. The character only shares negative vibes with a few people. One does not simply pick up a knife and stab people. If that is the case then it is not a negative character but a psycho character.

Even in ‘Kavach…’ Saudamini has a story. She is only targeting Bundela family. She is an evil soul and knows black magic. She is back to take revenge. More than revenge, she wants something from that family which is held in suspense. Predominantly, I said yes for the role as I never say no to Balaji.

That means you never said no to Balaji!
Yes. There has been only one project to which I said no. I couldn’t do it because of my health issues.

Do you feel that you’re being typecast?
Mahesh Bhatt sir once said, “It is very important to create a slot for yourself and then try and break it.” For instance, Mahamanga role in ‘Jodha Akbar’ was loved by people for the negativity. And another role, Pam from ‘Itna Karona…’ raised her brother’s kids, sacrificing her love.

And suddenly after 18 years, the biological mother comes and asks to hand over the kids. Any person in that situation will slap the real mother as she has no right. That’s why Pam became negative.

You have lost a lot of weight. Do you lose or gain weight according to the roles?
Honestly no. I don’t want to be thin in my life. For ‘Golmaal Returns’ I had to shed a few pounds as I was playing Kareena's sister. I always gain weight, then I reduce and again put it on - it is a continuous process for me. Now that you told me that I have lost weight. I will eat a lot (laughs).

When can we see you and your husband Murli Sharma back together on screen?
As of now, Murli will not do television. In movies, I’m waiting to work with him. We have been part of ‘Golmaal…’ but we never interacted. Murli is very balanced. His style of approaching a negative role is very different. He doesn’t move a muscle and do a lot. He is a man of few words. When I ask him to teach me the same, he says “Tell me another joke.”

Will you work in Tollywood again?
I really want to. I also started learning Telugu from a tutor, but due to my health issues I was unable to continue. I’m waiting for opportunities to work. I will be very much happy if I and Murli get paired.