"It is easy for me to match Smriti's excellent acting skills"

With each passing weekday, the arched browed and acerbic tongued Bhoomi of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi clan is enjoying more and more popularity. And basking in it's glory is TV actor Resshmi Ghosh. Prashant Golecha meets up with this ex-Miss India who made a noteworthy place for herself in this already cluttered industry of talented young blood. "Eight months back Ekta told me, 'there's no character like Bhoomi on TV'" Of all the tyros in television, you have quite some experience in the craft of acting? Yes, I am in this field since last eight years. I have done theatre, Bengali films (Amar Mayer Shapat) and have worked with seasoned people like Aparna Sen and Rituparna Ghosh. After bagging the prestigious title of Miss India in 2002, for took up seven to eight films but unfortunately none of them made way to the theaters. Meanwhile I tried my hands with ramp shows and commercials. Offers from television did pour in but I was under the impression that the scenario would be hectic and that their scripts are given only on the sets. But when I finally decided to venture on the small screen, Balaji was the only production house that came to my mind. So was Kyunki... the first project you were penciled in for? No actually I was first selected for Karam Apnaa Apnaa. But then at the same time the leap in Kyunki was being finalized and that how I was weaved in that show. Were you then aware of Kyunki's popularity? As I was clued about shows on TV since I was aware. In fact, I was in school when Kyunki... was launched. My first reaction when I bagged the role in this soap was that I would be lost in the crowd. Ekta had designed Bhoomi and I remember she telling me eight months back, 'there's no character like Bhoomi on TV'. It seemed like a challenge and I knew I have to give my best. You debuted on TV with a negative act. Didn't you fear this gamble of being typecast? I was little apprehensive in the beginning as for theatre and films, I've essayed only leading positive roles. But once I started shooting for Kyunki...., I fell in love with my character. Bhoomi is very human and has shades of grey. But there's a logic behind all her vicious moves. She is very emotional and humane but can be stupid too at times. I am quite happy with the way my character has shaped and with the kind of response I have got. I am thankful to Ekta for such a wonderful character and I am not saying this just because I am working for a Balaji show. What's the kind of feedback you have received? I get a lot of fan calls and everyone adores my character. When people spot me at a public place they approach me and tell me that I look very different off-screen. Amusingly, I smile a lot in real life and that surprises people as Bhoomi doesn't. Also a lot of my fans have told me I am well pitched against Tulsi and in some scenes I even stand out! How is it working with Smriti Irani? Smriti is a very good actress. She knows her job very well. I am obliged to work with her. It is easy for me to match her excellent acting skills because I am an experienced actress and have worked with veterans like Om Puri and Amrish Puri. And what about the atmosphere on the sets? We work in unity. In fact if there's no shooting I miss it. Kyunki..is like my second family. Don't you think there are too many Bengali actresses on television? It's true. And its not just in the TV industry but also in films and I am proud of it. On the sets of my show itself there are so many Bengalis. We have formed a Bengali v/s Punjabi community there where Mouni Roy, Kamalika Guha and myself represent the Bong fraternity and Manav Viz, Pulkit Samrat, Vikas Sethi and Amit Tandon represent Punjabi's. Describe the real Resshmi Ghosh. I would say I am somebody unlike my character "Bhoomi' in Kyunki.... I am very simple, down to earth and practical. I am quite a Bong who is family oriented and loves traveling. I also love to sing on stage, especially Bengali folk songs. What about your love life? Is marriage on the cards? I got engaged to actor Amit Gupta three years ago. He is currently doing Karamchand and a DD show, Apne Mere Apne. I don't know when I'll get the time to tie the knot. It can be any time. There is a saying that marriage and death can't be planned. So let's see! (laughs) An honest confession.... I am a very shy person by nature.