'I am not the right person for reality shows'

Mouli Ganguly will be seen on television after an 18-month break, in her mentor Ekta Kapoor's serial Kya Hua Tera Vaada on Sony Entertainment Television.

 Mouli is businesswoman Anushka who has an extramarital affair with Pawan Shankar, a married man with two children. Mona Singh plays his wife.

Mouli talks to Rajul Hegde about the new serial, what she did in her time away from the small screen, and why most TV shows don't appeal to her.

What prompted you to act in this serial?

The plot has some interesting twists, and the complexity of the character interested me. The character I am playing is strong, confident and today's woman. It's unlike my previous characters on TV.

I also wanted to do a show that would interest me as an audience.

Which recent TV show has appealed to you?

With due respect to everyone, there are only a few shows that appeal to me on television.

Bade Achhe Lagte Hai is a breath of fresh air. I messaged Sakshi Tanwar and others whom I know in the cast and crew after I watched the show.

It is a commercial show, but not the typical show for the TRP. It caters to all kinds of audiences and the love story is dealt with in a mature way and keeps you hooked.

What were you doing during the break you took?

Personal work kept me busy for a while, after that I got married in October 2010.

I judged a couple of reality shows on Bengali television and acted in six Bengali films. I did theatre, comedy plays with Kiran Karmarkar, Kahani Main Twist Hai and Oye Band Baj Gaya with Himani Shivpuri.

I don't take up shows if the roles don't excite me. I get excited when I find variety in my work, otherwise I get bored.

If I am offered a good role, I am ready to compromise with the money but not vice versa (smiles).

Are you not keen on doing Hindi films?

I am kind of a lazy person, comfortable in my own zone. I did Rain Coat because it came to me.

People in Kolkata know me so whenever I go there even for few days I end up doing something. I don't know anyone here; if something exciting comes my way, why not?

What kind of response have you got for your new role?

So far I have got a good response for my look and performance. People have got to see a different side of me. The character (of the 'other woman') is different.

I was offered many shows before this but nothing excited me and I can't relate to submissive characters.

Why haven't you done any reality shows after Nach Baliye?

I am not the right person for reality shows. I am not someone who will give masala for the show. I get offers for adventure reality shows, but I am scared of so many things.

I am more of a dancing kind of person. I can't do shows reacting to cameras 24/7; hats off to those who can.

I am more interested in dance based reality shows. Some time in the future I want to do Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. I like the format of the show and also because of Madhuri Dixit.

Is Kya Hua Tera Vaada on the lines of the Bollywood film Biwi No I?

Many people have asked me this question, but it's not. The only common thing would be the other woman, but the story is different. Here, my character and the male lead have known each other for some time and they part because he wants to settle down, and then they meet after 10 years.

Are you doing another television show too?

Yes, but I can't talk much about it. It's a fiction show based on a reality show. It's a cameo role where I play the anchor of the reality show.

How is life post marriage?

Life is great and becomes easier when you marry your best friend. There is a certain level of comfort and space when you know each other so well.