Kavita Kaushik: We need better shows on TV

There is more to Kavita Kaushik than just being a powerhouse performer.

Trying to be politically correct is alien to her and Kavita, who wowed us as Chandramukhi Chautala in F.I.R. for close to a decade, believes in speaking her mind. Commenting on the changes that she wants to see in the TV industry, Kavita says, “We badly need shows that are more progressive, I mean we are showing female leads turning into snakes and flies, like, seriously? We need much better content.Why make shows that take us backwards? Also, we need to have shows that focus on positivity and good comedy. ” The actress is all excited about her upcoming show 'Dr. Bhanumati On Duty', where she plays an army doctor. Excerpts:

What can fans expect from your latest telly outing?
I have always chosen roles that are multi-dimensional because unlike a film, a good TV show can run for years. For me, a role has to offer a complete entertainment package and Dr. Bhanumati On Duty has given me just that. I get to do action, romance, comedy and good emotional sequences too. Like all my roles, I prepared extensively for this show too. I trained in a certain form of yoga to get a curvier look and also, had to work on my Rajasthani accent. As a kid, I was very fond of dohas and I love the fact that my character sings dohas in the show. While I don’t like rigidity in any culture, there are several aspects of our rich literature and traditions that we have nearly forgotten, which is sad.

Your character in F.I.R. became an iconic one on TV. What do you attribute that to?
I think theatre is an actor’s medium, while film is a director’s medium. While in TV, you need fabulous writers. A lot of credit should go to writer Amit Aryan for the success of F.I.R. who has done a fabulous job in 'Dr. Bhanumati On Duty'. It is teamwork that contributes to the success of a TV show.

You have said that you don’t like reality shows. What made you participate in 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' (JDJ) last year?
I was being offered the show for the last few years but declined it every time. But playing Chandramukhi in 'F.I.R.' for such a long time had completely changed my body language and I needed to rediscover my real self. I was thinking of doing a play but actress Aashka Goradia, who is also a dear friend, convinced me to take up JDJ. I got the chance to work on myself, my body language and made some quick money too! If at all I do a reality show in future, it will be purely because of financial reasons, like making a big down payment or investment.

Has your outspoken nature ever gone against you?
Well, it must have but I would rather be hated for who I am than being loved for who I am not. Coming from an army background (her dad was a former CRPF officer, while her cousins and uncles are in the army), I have always been fearless. My dad, an encounter specialist, has killed terrorists but at home, he has never raised his voice against me or mom. I have picked up those qualities and if something wrong is happening, I can’t keep quiet.

You recently spoke about falling in love again (she is dating actor Nawab Shah). Is this the best phase of your life personally?
I feel that actors who keep their personal life under wraps are very smart. I did speak about my love life earlier, but people started judging it as well. It’s cool to judge my work, but I don’t need anyone’s opinion about my personal life. Henceforth, I will refrain from talking about my love life.
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