We got chatty about her hubby, mother, kids and then of course her kamvali bai. This perhaps sums up for me Renuka Shahane's domesticated life during her five year sabbatical.

Flashing her hundred watt smile (which thankfully hasn't changed through the years), the veteran actor chirps, "It's only because of my mother and my maid that I've been able to take on a daily show. Ranaji (her actor hubby Ashutosh) has also agreed to support me and take charge of children if need arises. And of course, Tony and Deeya Singh have assured me that our set will be very kid friendly- we actually have a nursery on our sets."

Tonight, her old fans and new viewers will get to see Renuka as Anjali Dhanrajgeer in Sony's Jeete Hain Jiske Liye. So, is she nervous that she takes on none other than Tulsi maiya in the same timeslot, on a rival channel? "Oh no! These things have never mattered to me in the last 20 years. Which channel, what time slot and how the show will do is not something that I'd like to get into. I am just happy that after five years of being a real mother; I now get an opportunity to relive those emotions as a reel mother," she says.

After a pause, Renuka adds, "Though, I must confess, that I did get cold feet on the first day of shooting. I was literally sweating. But like they say, one doesn't forget cycling and swimming; the same applies to acting. Slowly, I've managed to ease into the situation. Also I've never played a mother before. And now as I'm one in real life essaying the character came very easily to me along with simple nuances - how a pregnant woman walks, or wakes up from the bed, holding the baby the right way."

Jeete….is adapted from a Spanish telenovella which tells the story of a middle class orphan girl Anjali who marries a business tycoon and how she matures into a woman. But the track later takes a major twist when Anjali faces a jail sentence when she's framed for a murder which she has not committed.

Detailing her act in the show, Renuka explains, "The character is slightly complex and has various shades to it. Since it's an adapted format, I know the basic kahaani beforehand and am sure that it will not drag till infinity. Since, I have never really been a very ambitious person, I feel I am very lucky that such a good role has fallen in my lap"

A career which she embarked on almost two decades back, Renuka reminisces on her earlier days, "My big break was, of course, Surabhi in 1991. But somehow, after facing the arc lights, I actually desire to be behind the camera. Years back, I had assisted director Vijaya Mehta, who did Lifeline. I've already scripted a psychological thriller, keeping my hubby Ranaji in mind. Now, I've to go around scouting for a producer."

Any takers?