Maninee De is all set to enter NDTV Imagine’s Ek Packet Umeed as Shalini for three episodes. Maninee who is currently seen in Dhak Dhak in Dubai, Naagin and DD’s Astitva Ek Pehchaan has chosen to do this show because of its unique and sensitive story line. Maninee says, “I do not get time to watch my own shows but Hats Off’s EPU is one show that I watch regularly. It is a beautifully written and well conceptualised show with a touching story. My character’s name is Shalini, who gets the news that her sister-in-law’s daughter is in Umeed Bhavan, where she lands up in search of her. I would not say that it is a negative role. I play a very strict disciplinarian.” “This has been a learning experience for me as I got to work with veteran actors like Sulbha Deshpande and Neena Kulkarni. For JD Majethia, producer of the show, performance is more important than the actor’s looks. I think Aatish Kapadia is the most intelligent and sensitive writer who is abreast with the changing times and taste of the viewers and writes accordingly,” adds the actress. The actress also wants to write and create an ideation centre. She avers, “I think I am not a cut out to be a producer as I am very bad at handling finances. I feel I am a creative person and thus want to invite people who can provide us with scripts and thus we will create a bank of scripts and will sell them.” The actress herself wishes to write someday. She says, “I love to write and I am more comfortable writing comedy.”