Halfway out of the house

Smriti Irani turns producer in partnership with Ekta Kapoor's production house.

India's favourite bahu, Smriti Irani, aka Tulsi of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, will soon be seen in a serial that will have her playing her age at last.

Come August 19, Star Plus will launch Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan (TSZTSA), a maiden venture co-produced by Smriti Irani and Ekta Kapoor of Balaji Telefilms, producer of Kyunki.

Turning producer was a natural progression, feels the perfect bahu, "I have produced a few theatre shows in the last two years, but handling a television show is a different ballgame altogether."

On joining hands with Kapoor, says Irani, "I have known her for six years, and it was only natural to partner with her production house for my maiden television venture."

Irani does not confirm whether she's considering any future ventures with Kapoor. The actor-turned-producer is looking at scripts that will include melodrama and a reality show.

"I will be looking to produce a mixed bag of genres within the television format," she declares. So, will producing serials become a full time occupation for the Viraani bahu? "No, it will be in conjunction with my acting assignments," she asserts, happy to give her career a fresh dose of role heterogeneity.

"It's different to act and also manage the production details "" like how many shots are being shot, and whether your co-stars are comfortable on the sets," she maintains.

With six episodes already shot, Irani is all praise for her new character: "Uma is close to my heart, as she is a great motivator. This character stems from real life situations."

The serial will have Irani playing Uma as a 27-year-old. "She is very headstrong and believes in standing for the 'right' and fights her way out even if not supported by people around," says Shailja Kejriwal, senior creative director, Star India.

The plot is set in a Mumbai chawl occupied by out-of-work millworkers. The serial, scheduled for a Sunday 10.30 pm time band, is expected to complete Star Plus' weekend fare.