Brackish yet Sweet - Usha Nadkarni

In Mrs. Pammi Pyarelal on Colors, Usha will be seen as Kamini Fauzdaar aka dadi who is a strict disciplinarian. "My character is of a retired jailor who has seen hardcore criminals so she has a strict demeanor while dealing with everyone on the show." After playing a typical saas in the serious family drama, Pavitra Rishta, Usha finds this comedy as a relief of fresh air, "As an actor I am open to doing something new all the time. I have been acting since I was in school when I was studying in 4^th standard so I have tried everything but still when I am offered something new it gets me excited. At the end of it all, I am an actor and a professional one at that so these things are all mandatory for me" she says.

The professional that she is, Usha will be continuing with Pavitra Rishta on Zee TV even after the show takes a leap unlike the youngsters who are all ready to quit the show and have announced their decision too. Talking about the same Usha says, "I too wanted to leave the show but then I had a meeting with my producer Ekta Kapoor in her office. I also had problems with one of the leads but all matters were sorted by Ekta. I told her about my problems and she said, "I will take care of that', I told her to look into the way my character would shape in the future and she said, "I will take care of that', then I mustered courage and spoke about a little increase in payment which has not happened since the past two years and she smiled and said, "Don't worry, I will take care of that too." So when you have such a good producer who reassures you and takes care of your every need why would I want to quit the show? I had my issues resolved and am happy to continue. I am continuing with the show only because of Ekta."

She however doesn't want to comment on the youngsters who have taken the decision of quitting the show due to the leap, "To each his own" she says, "They are young and maybe have more choices too with them. They don't want to look old and grey their hair so it is their choice altogether." What she dislikes is the way the young actors behave on the sets. As a senior in this profession it bothers Usha, "The way they talk and behave with seniors is something I don't like but then who are we to correct them? They are irresponsible and even talk on the phone in between shots which is not a professional way to conduct yourself but who cares is the attitude these days so everything goes on just like that!"

Usha who has a humor streak comes across as being fiery many a times. "I know that some people find me rude but that is because I am not afraid of anyone and I say what I feel. I don't care what they say!" But what happens with her real life bahu, won't she be scared of having someone like her as a saas? "My son is not yet married but I feel whenever he does, my bahu will be more than happy to have me as her saasu maa" she ends with a laugh.

Seema Khot Mattoo