‘My work speaks for itself’

doweshowbellyad=0; Arpita (TOI Photo)You had started off with modelling. Why did you switch to acting?
To be precise, I had started off as a dancer. I was trained from Thankamani Kutty���s dance school and was a dance teacher for a while. I come from a conservative background, where a career in acting or modelling is a strict no-no.
When I was in college, I came to know about this modelling guild, Ramanuj, which gave a chance to budding talents.I somehow convinced my parents that it was something different from professional modelling. After that I took part in a few beauty pageants and won accolades galore.
How did acting happen?
Actor Moumita Chakraborty was my neighbour and also a good friend. Though she is much senior to me, we did college together. When I bagged a role in the serial, Tithi for the national channel, it was she who convinced my parents. Soon ventures like Seemarekha, Aparajita, Eka Ebong Kayekjon, Aloukik, Chhoto Bordi and Mahakal came along. I would shoot in Hyderabad for several months together without taking a break. It was during one such occasion that I chanced upon SRK, who was also shooting for his film, Badshah at Film City. He would follow the same rules as the junior artistes. I drew inspiration from him.
You got married when your career had just begun. But soon the split was left wide open...
True. It was a love marriage. I met my ex-husband during my modelling days and was head over heels in love. He was tall and handsome. End-1999, we decided to tie the knot. Post marriage , I was asked to leave my profession and much-in-love, I agreed. But soon I realised that it wasn���t working out.
Please go on...
My mother-in-law ran a school and my husband looked after the family business. In the mornings, I would be left to myself. I was depressed and more so, as my contemporaries started climbing the success ladder. I saw my juniors and contemporaries doing well. This gave me a complex and gradually, I lost my mental peace. At that point of time, I had given up on offers like Ek Akasher Niche, Mahaprabhu, Janmabhoomi, Football and Mohini.
What happened next?
n My husband suggested that I should join the family business. I did so, but never enjoyed the work. Gradually, my husband got busy with his work and the distance started growing between us. So, I started acting all over again. I took refuge in the reel world.
How difficult is it being a single parent? You are a working mother, does your son complain?
Rivu is just seven years old and I try to spend a lot of time with him, whenever I can. My world revolves around him. Together, we are learning karate now. Sometimes Rivu teaches me some of the moves. In fact, he is so good at it that the faculty tells me ���Chhelei to aache, or kaache barite shikhe niyo��� (laughs).
You���ve been part of this industry for a long time now, but why aren���t you much written about?
I suppose my PR skills are suspect. I never got any support from the media.
And why so?
I can���t approach anyone and ask the person to write about me. My work speaks for itself.
So, what���s keeping you busy now?
There are a few serials ��� Jaya, Krishnakali Ami Tarei Boli, Hoyto Tomari Jonno, 10 Minto Lane and the thriller series, Ki Holo. There are also a couple of telefilms in my kitty.
You are a trained dancer. What about performing in award nights?
Not many are aware that I know the body mambo!
Any big screen offers?
Not any that could be talked about.