Suhasini shares grandma's tales

Actor and documentary film-maker Suhasini Mulay is well known for her work in front and behind the camera. She is now back with her new role of a strong Rajput matriarch in a new TV serial. CS speaks to Suhasini about her career:



Telly talk

In the new serial, I play the role of a grandmother who is a pucca autocrat. Though it may seem regressive, I was drawn to it because it was a different sort of a role.

For an artist of my age, I see the role from both sides. Television is exciting because we have a number of women-centric shows with varied themes.

You get to portray strong characters and build a loyal audience. I also love some of the multiplex films as they have exciting stories.

However, they don't have much scope as there are no roles for older women in most of them. I remember playing Akshaye Khanna's mom in Dil Chahta Hai, but since then there have hardly been any roles of that sort. You only find roles in rural based shows these days.

Keeping busy

I played Yuvika Choudhary's mother in Toh Baat Pakki, and have a few films on the anvil. Some of the more exciting ones are Is The Money God where I am playing an overtly religious mother to Ranvir Sheorey. Then there is Rita, Renuka Shahane's directorial debut and Allah Ke Bande. In Rita I play a very complex character of an insensitive mother, but I thoroughly enjoyed doing that. I am open to all kinds of roles provided they are exciting enough.

Chilling out

I am a documentary film-maker and direct short films. Besides, I love travelling, and recently returned from a trip to Canada. In my free time on the sets, I like to read.

However, I don't read serious subjects that I am working on. I prefer horror novels and the murder mysteries of Stephen King, Jordan Roberts and the likes.