Pursuing a balancing act

Role play

She essayed the character of a typical, tough mother-in-law as Savita in Kyonki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and later she was seen in a vampish role as Koki bhabhi. With this Apara Mehta has proved beyond doubt that she can take on just about any role with ease and finesse.

So the it is no surprise that director Vipul Shah asked Apara to wait for the role which he sketched out just for her in Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo. Although Apara has done a few stand up comedy shows in Gujarati comedy plays, this will be the first time Apara will be seen in a non comedy serial. “Unless a comedy is written well, one cannot really call it a good piece. I believe this serial is an extremely well-written one that does not end up making a buffoonery of its artistes,” says Apara, who plays the role of a yesteryear Gujarati theatre actress in the serial.

Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo, brings together some of the best artistes in comedy like Sumeeth Raghavan and Tiku Talsania. With a starcast like that there are bound to be fond memories. “I can’t remember the last time I laughed like the way I did while shooting for this show. Comedy is not as easy as it looks. With the hilarious lines and with artistes like these delivering it, I used to literally roll with laughter,” recollects Apara.

While in the serial she plays a heroine who is out of work. In real life, Apara is always running on a tight schedule, balancing both serials and theatre. Currently the actress is excited about a Gujarati play called U Turn. “It’s a two character play which is again a first for me,” says Apara and adds, “Life as a serial artiste is very difficult. The hectic schedules, running from one studio to the other extract the best of you. There are times when I wouldn’t have seen myself in the mirror. Before getting into this profession one will have to forget about everything else.”

 Apart from theatre and serials, Apara has also done a few small roles in movies. “I have never been stream oriented. Only if something worthwhile came around in movies would I take it up,” says she. But ask her where her true passion lies and it will leave her tongue tied, “I just cannot answer that. Television and theatre, play a huge role in my life and I can never choose from them. It’s like asking me to pick my favourite child,” she concludes.