You would appear to be keeping a low-profile these days. Have you cut down on your workload?

I had cut my workload three years ago when I tried TV and south Indian films. The reason being that these assignments took care of my monetary needs.

Is it also because you aren’t getting good film offers?

I have given more than 100 per cent to the characters I have played in films so far. But I also knew that, beyond a point, Hindi films are predominantly hero-oriented. There isn’t much scope for women to grow.

But didn’t involving yourself with a weekly TV show mean saying goodbye to Bollywood?

Initially, a whole lot of people thought as much. But I didn’t feel like a 16-year-old anymore and I didn’t want to play the pretty young thing. I was getting bored with those kind of roles in films. TV opened up a new avenue.

What is more important now: marriage or the movies?

It is a balance that makes me complete. Neither of them can exist alone. I am happy that I have found somebody who supports me in everything I do. Also, my family is a constant support. My family has inculcated in me the right values and taught me the importance of marriage and self-reliance. This explains how I have made such a smooth transition to married life.

Why are you doing Amol Palekar’s Marathi film Anaahat?

Marathi is my mother tongue. I have always wanted to work with directors such as Amol Palekar. His kind of cinema stirs the actress in me. The subject of Anaahat — a period film based in the 10th century — celebrates womanhood. I always thought that if ever I do a Marathi film, this would be the kind of subject. At the same time, I didn’t want to get into niche cinema for the heck of it.

What role do you play in Anaahat?

Anaahat is a woman-centric film with several facets to my character. The way she displays her strength is the highlight of the film. Perhaps, for the first time, my acting skills will be completely bared. I can identify with the character I play because I am not aggressive in real life. But this doesn’t mean I compromise my self-respect.

Reports indicate that you are in the family way.

People are going ballistic over something baseless. It has been a few months since I got married. My husband and I don’t have any immediate plans for a baby. We need time together.