After a gap of 10 years, the very stunning and charming Mandira Bedi is back to acting on the small screen in Colors’ 24. During her break from acting on the small screen, the lady was seen hosting cricket and reality shows, Indian Idol Junior being her latest. In a conversation with Tellychakkar.com, Mandira talks about her journey from being Shanti (her first TV serial of the same name) to playing the Indian version of Nina Myers (internationally played by Sarah Clarke) in Anil Kapoor’s 24. The chat began with her talking about the producer and lead of the show Anil Kapoor. “It is amazing working with him. All the people I have known so far and who have worked in the industry for a very long time just come on the sets to work and leave. But Anil has this desire and energy to give his best in every shot. He has an enthusiasm of a newcomer. Such passion is rare to find in people who have been around that long. It is fabulous to work with him,” Mandira averred. When queried as to why she stayed away from acting on TV this long, she replied, “After cricket (she hosted ICC Cricket World Cup, Champions Trophy and one of the seasons of Indian Premier League {IPL}) happened to me, people stopped looking at me as an actor and instead started looking at me as an anchor.” “Meanwhile, there were saas bahu dramas emerging on TV which was taking the idiot box into a regressive space where I did not see myself. Since I was getting great jobs as an anchor, I did not take up serials for very long. And as far as acting is concerned, I was always connected with theatre and worked in films including Meerabai Not Out and Dus Kahaniyaan.” So, 24 marks an end to your sabbatical? “Before 24 happened, I was actually waiting for a serial revolving around me to mark my comeback. And when I was approached for 24, I just wanted to be a part of it. To me 24 is a path breaking thriller. It will keep you on an edge,” she answered. Ok, in these years gone by, how much have you evolved as an actor? “I am a director’s actor. I am as good as the director is in front of me. Theatre is something that helps you grow as an actor in a big way. Hence, I have always been associated with theatre; Salt and Pepper is the latest play that I am a part of and in this I will be seen essaying roles of women aged 21, 45, 65 and 85 respectively. We will soon be performing in Singapore for the same. So, if I perform badly in 24, go blame Abhinay Deo,” said the actress with a smile on her face. Which was the most intense scene for her in the show? “There is this scene where Anil’s character Rathore doubts my character and since she is the most trustworthy person in the show for him, it leads to be a very important scene between the two of us. I cannot tell you what the scene is, for it would mean giving away the story. But, all said and done, it was definitely the toughest scene for me.” The show is all set to air sometime in October! And Mandira, we wish you a great comeback!!