Zarina Waheb Panscholi mesmerised audiences' with her superb performances in films like Saawan Ko Aane Do and Chitchor. The talented actor who was seen in a very powerful role on Zee's Tumhari Disha has now taken up two more show; namely Sahara One's Zaara and Sony's Viruddh.

Known to be an extremely reclusive actor, Zarina has very rarely spoken to the media. But after a bit of coaxing, we get the seasoned actor talking about her career and her life mantra.

I, me, myself …
I am a cool person. I don't take or give anyone stress and tension. I want to be happy all the time. I tend to attract positive people. I believe in my instincts and my sixth sense. So, in the first meeting itself, I can identify whether a person is genuine or not.

My television journey …
Last few years haven't been so busy for me.That's when I thought of doing television. I did Agni, my first show and then later went on to do Heena, Kamal, Kya Hadsa Kya Hakikat and Tumhari Disha. There's nothing special about my Zaara role in Sahara One's family drama, I play Zaara's saas. If you compare this to my earlier work, say in Tumhari Disha, there's nothing special about my role. In Disha, I essayed the role of a very strong mother but here I am just a normal saas. For ten episodes my character was shown negative. I have just returned from Haj in the show and will be seen back in Zaara's life.

As Smriti's mother in Viruddh ...
It's a different kind of role and definitely the show also stands out as compared to many other shows.I play Smriti's (Vasudha) mother in the show. Vasudha is obviously not aware of it. I have come back on the scene after years. As the story goes, my father was a victim to some vicious, dirty political media games. Unable to cope with it, he commits suicide. I attempt to expose this and become a victim myself. I have come back after years. So, in all because of this strong background, there's a lot of scope for acting and histrionics for my character.

Feedback for the show..
I have just made an entry and the response is terrific. My relatives and friends have been calling and messaging me that they saw me in Viruddh.

On Saas Bahu shows ...
I do relate to saas bahu shows but only in parts. I was hooked on to Star's Kyunki Saas bhi Kabhi Bahu thi when it started. At that time, I had the time to see the show. Now, it is not possible to watch all the soaps daily.

Fixing on projects ...
I choose my roles depending on the production house.

I am a work oriented person ...
I don't know anything except acting. I have always been work oriented in life.

On television and films ...
Films are made on a larger canvass. Since one has to do only one or two scenes per day, there's a lot of scope for detailing minutely. But, here in a day about eight to nine scenes are canned. The speed at which scenes are shot for a half an hour episode, then a film can be made in six days. But what I like about the small screen is that it offers flexibility. If I have some work, I tell the production people that I need to be relieved a little early.

Soaps shouldn't drag on forever ...
One has seen a fantastic growth in the tv industry since the last five years. The only thing I feel is that a show should run only for either one or one and a half years. It shouldn't drag on for years.

I prefer to keep a low profile …
I have always been like this. Even during my struggling days I was like this.

Philosophy of Life ...
Nothing is permanent. Don't run after anything. Do your best. Positive energy is important in life. There is no complaint in my diary. Life is beautiful. Don't look at the grey areas and concentrate on what is positive.

Future plans ...
I never plan. People who don't believe in God, only they plan. Whatever happens, happens for the best.