Kochi, Feb 20 : Actress Neelu Vaghela, who came into limelight with her role of Santosh Rathi aka Bhabho in popular soap opera "Diya Aur Baati Hum", says besides TV she keeps herself busy doing theatre.
"I keep doing theatre. I feel proud to be a part of it and perform in front of the audience on stage. I have never left theatre... I am still in love with it," Neelu said at the announcement of upcoming TV show "Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh Piyaji", a sequel to "Diya Aur Baati Hum".
"Theatre makes you a natural actor. Earlier, people used to say that you do acting in theatre, but nowadays you don't get to see those type of stage shows. Today's theatre is very natural. It gives you confidence to deal with the fear of facing camera," she added.
Neelu, who will reprise her role as Bhabho in the upcoming show, says she misses working with actors Anas Rashid and Deepika Singh as they won't be coming back as Sooraj and Sandhya Rathi in "Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh Piyaji".
"They are like family to me. They will always remain a part of my family. But what happens is that with age, you need to move on. So now we have to go ahead with new characters in the show," Neelu said.
Deepika, who is expecting her first child with TV director Rohit Raj Goyal, had revealed that she is yet to receive her full payment for "Diya Aur Baati Hum".
Asked about it, Neelu said: "It depends on how your nature is with others. There are circumstances when such kind of problems do occur, but you should sit down and take out a solution from it. There is nothing impossible.
"I can't speak much on it. I would not like to comment anything on it. It's a family matter, so it should remain within the family."
Set against the backdrop of Rajasthan, "Diya Aur Baati Hum" showcased the inspirational journey of Sandhya Rathi (Deepika), who along with the help of her husband Sooraj Rathi (Anas) -- a sweet shop owner -- fights against all odds to become an IPS officer.
Neelu said "Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh Piyaji" will follow from where "Diya Aur Baati Hum" ended.
"'Diya Aur Baati Hum' was loved by people in various parts of the world. My character of Bhabho had become a household name. That's why I feel privileged to return with aTu Sooraja'. This show will focus on the new generation," Neelu said.
"As we have taken a 20-year leap, the character of Bhabho might change look-wise, but her character will remain the same. She still has the same attitude and anger," she added.
Neelu said the makers decided to shoot in various parts of Kerala to give a new feel to the show.
"Kerala will bring in new freshness to the show. I feel it like a big responsibility on my shoulders that I have to take care of this new family in the show," she said.
"The end of 'Diya Aur Baati Hum' was the toughest moment of my life. It was very hard to leave that show," Neelu added.
