When former Mamta aka Neha Mehta refused to play an older character in the show, the production house decided to rope in Narayani Shastri. The talented actor who has always believed in riding against the tide is putting her best foot forward for Mamta.

Known for her boldness, she's not scared of playing an older character; in fact she's already been appreciated for her plain and simple look. Here she talks about her journey from Piya Ka Ghar to Mamta.

You had decided to stay away from soapy weepy stuff on the small screen. But now you seem to have settled as a replacement for Neha Mehta?

For me it was not a replacement for anybody in the show. It was the production house and the character which appealed to me. I am quite intrigued by the storyline of Mamta and the emotional complexities of the lead. The story is about how a woman goes through a lot of complexities in her married life. She walks out on her husband and later when her son grows up her husband returns home. Then, she has to deal with this same estranged relationship between the father and son. Currently, the track is going in this direction.

But I am sure there were other offers. We haven't seen you in any Balaji serials after Kyunki and Kkusum I am very comfortable with the production house and I like the way they function. I've seen them through the ups and downs. I did Piya Ka Ghar with them years back. I am also doing Sanskar with them on DD which is again is an offbeat house drama. I've seen them through the ups and downs. And I also very comfortable with Zee TV

But aren't you scared of greying your hair or playing an older character?

I am not scared, in fact I wanted to grey even years back in Piya Ka Ghar. My problem is that I cannot take up boring monotonous work. But at the same time, I believe as an actor one has to make the best of whatever is available or the other option is to sit at home.

Your look has been much appreciated in the show.

Ya, this time around I've selected my own wardrobe. I've decided on a simple look which goes very well with the character.

Aren't you looking at working with Balaji again?

If something good comes up then why not. But somehow, after Kkusum and nothing substantial has come my way. And I am not interested in doing boring work.

Some of your friends from Nach Baliye 2 are now making a lot of moolah doing stage shows. Aren't you planning to cash in too?

No no. (laughs) I am right now dancing in Mamta. And very soon you'll see my new music video.

Besides acting what are your other passions?

I have a huge family in Mumbai. So, when not shooting I love spending time with my family.