I don't think the audience would accept me as Salman Khan's bhabhi: Bhagyashree

It's been 27 years since she made her Bollywood debut, but in public memory, she is still the Suman of 'Maine Pyar Kiya' ('MPK'). Despite making headlines with her very first film, Bhagyashree gave it all up for the man she was 'madly in love with'. After disappearing from the spotlight for a while, she returned with sporadic appearances on television, the medium with which she started out as an actress with Amol Palekar's 'Kachchi Dhoop'.But the new Bhagyashree is a far cry from the shy, timid desi girl. Her social media accounts portray a bolder, confident woman ' fun-loving, fitness-conscious, fashionable and sexy. In an exclusive interview with Bombay Times, the actress opens up about her future plans, her new avatar and her first hero, Salman Khan. Excerpts...
You were out of action for almost a year. Why?
I was diagnosed with calcification in my shoulder soon after my TV show 'Laut Aao Trisha' wrapped up. The pain was unbearable. It took me eight months to get going again. I couldn't even lift a spoon or brush my teeth during that period. I feel healthier and prouder now. I have started blogging about my experiences to help people lead healthier lives. I have also been travelling as it expands your horizon by helping you connect with real people. I'd rather meet people on one-to-one basis than at parties. Being at a party means following norms. Besides, I don't have to reconstruct 'MPK's' success to get noticed; people do that by default. Most actresses work their entire lives to get what I got in my very first film, so I don't crave for it.
After seeing your Instagram pictures, it looks like the conservative Bhagyashree has turned bolder...
I am more confident now. I got a lot of love after 'MPK', but didn't gain confidence. I became confident only after discovering myself. I realised that I am capable of doing far more than just films, which is giving love to people. I hope to be an inspiration that's real. I wear the dress and it's not the other way round. I don't have to wear skimpy clothes to show my confidence. I don't wear shorts in the house because I stay with my in-laws. I pick clothes appropriately for each occasion. I don't want my kids to be embarrassed on a public platform. Also, people see me as the ideal bahu/beti and I wouldn't want to break that image. If I were to choose a role which required me to wear certain clothes, I would make the judgement at that time. I'm not averse to the idea.
Do you regret quitting when you were at the peak of your career?
People matter, things don't. Awards and recognition are momentary pleasures. After a while, it's just going to adorn your shelf. I was at a stage when I had to choose between a great career and the man I loved madly. Even if I were to go back in time, I would do it the same way. My husband (Himalaya) was possessive and he wasn't comfortable seeing me romancing other men on screen. In fact, my in-laws are more comfortable and cool about me acting than him.
Himalaya also tried his luck in acting, but made a quick exit'
He tried something when he was young and drifted to another field when it didn't work out. He has nothing to do with acting now.
Himalaya was uncomfortable about Salman romancing you in 'MPK'. What kind of an equation do they share today?
They have met only once after that. Salman was the first to know about my relationship with Himalaya during the shoot of the song, Dil Deewana. He would follow me around and hum the song in my ear. I kept warning him that people will start talking about us. After irritating me for half-a-day, he said that he knew about Himalaya. He even suggested that I call Himalaya to the location. They were cordial when they met.
Are you still in touch with Salman?
On and off. I wish him on his birthday and exchange pleasantries when we meet at functions.
Did he ever try to persuade you to come back to movies?
Everyone knows that the magic of 'MPK' can't be recreated. I don't say 'No' to what the universe offers. If it has to happen, it will, but that conversation never happened and I don't hold anything against him.
If you two were to reunite on screen, would you be comfortable playing his sister or bhabhi?
Forget me, I don't think the audience would accept me as Salman's bhabhi.
If 'Maine Pyar Kiya' was to be remade, who would you like as the lead pair?
Alia Bhatt ' she is a fantastic actress; she was brilliant in Udta Punjab. As for Salman's role, it would have to be Ranbir Kapoor or Ranveer Singh. They are such talented actors that I feel like a junior in front of them.
There were reports that he was supposed to launch your son Abhimanyu...
Not really. I was once asked by the media if I would want Salman to launch Abhimanyu, and I said that would be wonderful. They asked me if I would talk to him about it and I replied, 'Maybe'. It's the media's job to write the way they want to but that shouldn't create an awkward situation between people. I had actually called Salman and clarified. He was cool about it. I also told him that I would like him to meet Abhimanyu, but we didn't take that forward.
Your last show didn't work too well...
It did till I was in the show. I quit the show once it became regressive.
Is acting your priority now?
It's a wonderful place to be in ' a career where you get to play different characters, though acting was never my scene. I was petrified of going on stage during school plays and the only time I was comfortable was when I had to play a tree.