Shveta Salve of Jhalak... fame back with Ek Tha Chander… Ek Thi Sudha

Since her TV debut in 1998, Shveta Salve claims to have done it all. With her new show, Ek Tha Chander… Ek Thi Sudha, she’s returning to fictional shows after an eight-year hiatus. Here, she discusses the break and her shelved debut film.

Since her TV debut in 1998, Shveta Salve claims to have done it all. With her new show, Ek Tha Chander… Ek Thi Sudha (ETCETS), she’s returning to fictional shows after an eight-year hiatus. Here, she discusses the break and her shelved debut film.

Shveta-Salve-looks-gorgeous

You were last seen hosting Dance India Dance. Now you are returning to fiction shows after eight years. What took you so long?
I got bored of TV. I needed a break to do different stuff, and discover more about myself and life. I got offers regularly, but I was waiting for something other than the usual fare. I’ve done a variety of roles and my journey has been long, so a break was good. In between, I did non-fiction shows, so I was never out of sight.

Read:I am no trained dancer: Shveta Salve

How has the industry changed since your last show?
Indian TV works on the tried-and-tested method. Everyone has a herd mentality. The era of saas-bahu sagas lasted long; then came reality shows, and now we have many mythological and crime shows. But who am I to judge? They work and the audience loves them. I come from an era when TV was simpler because there was time to do your work at a good pace. That’s why it took me a while to decide to step back into fiction.

Why did you pick ETCETS?
It’s based on the book, Gunahon Ka Devta, and Ashwini Dheer is helming it. He’s a master storyteller and producer. As my role isn’t of a protagonist, I was apprehensive, but it was too fantastic to turn it down.

Your debut film, with Dharmesh Darshan’s, got shelved. Was it a bitter experience?
No. It’s unfortunate that some things happen and others don’t. It would have been great, but what can we do about it? I did a few songs in movies and even acted in Mahesh Manjrekar’s Marathi film, Kurukshetra (2000). Films were never the agenda for me.

How is married life?
I don’t feel married as it’s been just a year-and-a-half. It’s great though; I love it.

Are you in touch with your ex-boyfriend, Rodney Barnes?
I am in touch with all my exes.

Quick five

A question you have been asked numerous times?
Why didn’t you win Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (JDJ)? You should have won it as you were deserving.

A question you never want to answer?
Why didn’t you win JDJ? This is a question that I feel I’ll take to my grave.

A current TV show you have heard a lot about?
I've heard a lot about Comedy Nights With Kapil.

An actor you feel is popular?
Suchitra Pillai, who is a good friend, and is back on TV. I will root for her as she’s a fine, versatile actor.

A habit you want to get rid of?
I have a tough time saying no. I get carried away.