I am very much like Maya

Actor Ratna Pathak Shah, who played the class-conscious Maya Sarabhai in ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’, says she was disheartened with the initial response to the show.

The popular sitcom, which aired between 2004 and 2006, is set to return as a web series ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai: Take 2’ on Hotstar from May 16.

“It was surprising to see the love from the audience when the show went off air. I did not realise it was so popular. When we were on Star One, we had a viewership of 63 per cent. I was appalled and surprised,” Ratna said.

“Maybe the viewers were not ready to see it then, but we definitely have an audience today.”The 60-year-old actor is excited that the show is back on popular demand.Ratna says she had received immense appreciation from viewers globally and people’s appetite for content-driven shows has increased.

“Wherever I travelled, I was inundated with compliments about the show. I wished we had more episodes to serve them. But we are back now just for the audience.”

The ‘Kapoor and Sons’ actor doesn’t follow serials or shows on Indian television, primarily due to its content.“I do not see Indian television shows. I think a lot of it is unwatchable humour in particular. I am sure they are doing the best to entertain but it’s not my taste at all. I just don’t watch Indian TV shows,” she says.Ratna says she could relate to Maya, who became a household name, thanks to her impeccable sartorial style and razor-sharp comments.

“Aatish Kapadia (writer) cast me because I am the kind of person who could be Maya. I dress elegantly when I can. The real thing I found about myself is that I am very much like Maya.”“The only difference is that she would say stuff which I would dare not say. So there is excitement to play this part again.”