"I played the character of Mangla, married to Vrushbhaan's legitimate son Jay, played by Abhinav Chaturvedi. However, Mangla was in love with the illegitimate son Satbir. Her character is a nice combination of an independent woman who would fight against injustice but [who] is very conventional in matters of family and heart," says Desai.

"Her husband is more of a businessman, while her love interest Satbir likes things she enjoys, like poetry. After marriage, she fights to keep their friendship alive in spite of her husband's discomfort. However, when Jay is fighting cancer, she stands by him," she adds.

She refuses to narrate any one memorable incident, saying, "There are a lot of memories about learning, the first brush with fame in a mega serial, first financial independence... Narrating one memory will nullify all others."

Kritika's other famous television stints include Chandrakanta, Noorjahan, and VJing Superhit Muqabla. Her roles in Dattak (The Adopted) and the French film Turn Left For This World won her critical acclaim.

She is currently working in serials like Tumhare Disha and Hare Kaanch Ki Chudiya. She also organises theatre workshops with Akansha, a non-governmental organisation that works with underprivileged children.