The long hunt for Bani is finally over with Gurdeep Kohli set to replace Prachi Desai in Kasmah Se. This also marks a return to acting for Gurdeep Kohli who post her marriage to fellow actor Arjun Punj was keeping a low profile. She was last seen as a host on 9X’s morning show Good Morning Zindagi.

The pretty Punjabi, who rose to fame as Doctor Juhi of Sanjeevani, speaks on her new role, Ekta Kapoor and more in an exclusive chat with Mayur Lookhar.

Gurdeep is the new Bani. Can you confirm this?
Yes, I’m playing Bani but I still have to sign the contract. That will happen very soon. But I’m very much on board Kasamh Se.

Post marriage you’ve kept a low profile. Were you waiting for a role of this magnitude to mark a full-fledged comeback?
I wasn’t keen on taking anything which isn’t worthwhile. Offers poured in but I didn’t like any of them. If I had to return then, it ought to happen with a big character like Bani. My long wait (patience) has been rewarded.

Were you surprised that you were offered this role?
No, Balaji had offered me roles in the past too but I couldn’t take them as I was occupied with other shows. Now that I’m free, there’s no way that I could have rejected them.

What did Ekta have to say to you?
We had a great meeting and finalised things. I laid down certain terms and conditions and she was more than willing to accept them. She appreciated my work in Sanjeevani.

Bani is a very popular character. Replacing her is challenging task. Will you be able to create your own identity?
I’ve been in this industry for seven years. I’ve reaped success through my two shows Sanjeevani and Sindoor. I’ve been praised by one and all as Juhi of Sanjeevani. Plus, I can proudly say that as Devika of Sindoor, I gave the necessary fillip to both the show and the channel (Zee TV). After playing such characters with aplomb, enacting Bani shouldn’t be a problem.

On your part what new will you bring to this character?
I’m not among those who make tall promises. As an actor, I leave this task completely to the creative team. In fact, an actor cannot decide on the nature of his character. You can’t even prepare for it. You’re given a character brief and as actors one should simply abide by it.

Are you willing to grey your hair if asked to do so?
Generational leaps are not about greying your hair. Such changes are part and parcel of every show and they are merely taken to enhance the show’s longevity and add spice to the story. There are many actors who are working in such shows but they haven’t dyed their hair so why should I do any different?

But Kasamh Se has already witnessed two generational leaps.
Yeah, but Bani is no grandmother. She’s a mother to a young child. While I many not dye my hair, there is a constant effort to give my character an aged look. And that is how it will pan out.

TV industry is very unpredictable. Ekta has brought back Smriti. Similarly Rucha Gujrati returned in your show Bhabhi. In that context, Prachi too may return as Bani. Doesn’t it make your feel insecure?
I have no problems with it. Tomorrow, if they deem it fit to bring Prachi back then, I‘ll be happy to vacate the seat. After all, it is Prachi who has made this character popular with the viewers. As an actor, it’s always been my endevour to do my task to the best of my ability. I’m not a newcomer and have tasted success so there’s nothing to feel insecure of.

Finally, your hubby Arjun has headed to Bollywood. Weren’t you too tempted to take this route?
No, Bollywood is not my cup of tea. I’m happy to play the docile wife that is something which I’m in real life too.