Kavita Shyam caught up with Jayati Bhatia for a heart to heart chat.

How did you venture into this profession?
I was into theatre while studying in Delhi besides, I was an Odissi dancer and recepient of the National scholarship from the Ministry of Culture for three years in a row. I joined theatre under Ibrahim Alkazi and came to Mumbai in 1997 and got into television.

And how did television happen to you?
I got Itihaas which was my first serial and the character I played (Vandana) went from being positive to a negative person. Followed by Kanyadaan which was a brilliant role with me being the central character in the show, to the extent that I got every family in the country wanting a daughter like Kavita in the show.
Simultaneously, I also did Tu Tu Main Main where I played (Kumud) a comic role and had a wonderful experience working with Sachin and Supriya who are extremely talented. Then Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin happened where Bindiya became a rage along with the show. The nerdy character who had an expert comment to give to the whole world was someone we could find in every office! I did Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii where I played Dr Shweta, which was a negative character.
Somewhere in between, I did Kutumb where I learnt that one should not take up any role without getting to know the details of it. I was a supporting cast with nothing much to do.

Tell us about your association with the Balaji family?
Ekta and Shobha aunty have introduced me to television and what I am today is because of Balaji. I met Ekta when I came to Mumbai and thankfully she knew Alkazi with whom I had done theatre in Delhi; besides Shobha aunty saw my scenes and increased my role as she thought I was extremely talented. So somehow I got things at the right time and everything fell into place!

What made you take up Celebrity Fame Gurukul?
Honestly, I am not 'besuri' and I think I have a good ear to pick up rhythm and melody but had no ability to sing. Besides it was all in the name of charity and I got a platform to sing and perform. For me, serials are my bread and butter but theatre's my sweet dish!

Tell us about your experiences on stage?
I did Katiya Bai of Karmali Terrace by Alyque Padamse which is loosely based on Padamse's mother's life who was suffering from Alzheimer's. I got to play all age groups from 12 to 70 year olds, The show was held at Prithvi film festival last year while Vagina Monologues (Mahabanoo Mody's play) has been an amazing experience and has been well received in Delhi, Pune and Mumbai. My husband cried when we he read the literature of the Monologues and encouraged me to take up the role besides Mahabanoo had come to me at a time when all the actors had rejected it as was too bold a subject. I have worked with Rahul Dacunha, Feroz Khan, Vikram Kapadia, Alyque Padamse and now Mahabanoo too.

How did you adjust to life in Mumbai coming from Delhi?
My husband (Kiran Bhatia, Executive Producer) pushed me to come to Mumbai. I met my husband when I was working in a play in Delhi and that is when I realized I could become an actor. I had my husband who fully supported me in every step of my life, besides both of us are workaholics.

What else is in the pipleline for you?
I am doing Sinndoor where I play Titli Mami, a very Punjabi character who keeps saying 'Death hee ho jayegi' and she keeps making devious plans but makes an ass of herself in the process. I am also doing Viraasat (Star Plus' forthcoming show) where I play Aman Verma and Rohit Roy's mother. This is the kind of role that gives me a kick, wherein some find her negative, some adamant and many find her loving.

Now I am looking forward to doing challenging films and completely negative characters which go beyond rolling the eyes and making faces or simply crying.