To play Hansa, I have to disconnect with a lot of things, says Supriya Pathak

Whether in films or TV, Supriya Pathak has carved a niche with her effortless performances be it as the menacing Dhankor of Goliyon Ki Raas Leela: Ram Leela in recent years or Ranbir Kapoor’s loving mom in Wake Up Sid. On TV, the actress is best known for her endearing act as the lovable but slow-witted Hansa. Now, after a decade, she is set to reprise the role in the third season of Khichdi. Here, the actress talks about what brings her back to the mad sitcom, her hunger for good roles and more...  

When you were approached for Khichdi this time, what was your reaction? 

Ever since the second season of Khichdi got over, the entire team has been in touch with each other and we always thought we should come back with it once again. So, when I was approached, I was more than happy to do it. Honestly, Hansa is the kind of character, who will remain evergreen. She is full of happiness, and oblivious of the horrible things that go around her. She really is a great happy point, that is why I always want to go back to her whenever the situation at work becomes mundane. Going back to happiness, that is what Khichdi does to me.

Is it difficult to play Hansa, who is slow on the take?

I had to do a lot of disconnecting from things to play this role. Earlier, I used to always ask people if they want me to answer as Supriya or Hansa. If they said Hansa, and asked me a question, I would say, I don’t know. That’s because Hansa doesn’t know anything! For me, it was important to reach that state of thing in mind where I don’t question anything. That is the happy quotient of Hansa because as an actor mujhe kuch sochna nahin padta (laughs).

Now, that you are doing Khichdi, are you taking a break from films?

No, I am simultaneously shooting for a film that is being produced by Luv Ranjan We haven’t titled it yet, but it has Sunny Singh and a new girl in it. I play a very unusual kind of mother — a brash Punjabi lady.

You were menacing as Dhankor in Ram Leela, but after that you haven’t really played an antagonist again...

I would love to do something that is negative. I have just done a film called Arzi, in which I play a politician, and she is not good! I enjoy acting. Give me anything that is chewable, and I will chew on it. I enjoy performing different roles. I never want to get stuck with one character. On TV, you get stuck with one character and people remember you for that. I’m not happy with that. In my case, that did not happen, nobody knows me only as Hansa. I got to play a variety of roles in Ram Leela, Wake Up Sid, Bobby Jasoos, etc.  

There were reports about Ratna Pathak Shah being a part of this show for one episode...

(Cuts in) That you will have to check with the producer, but we haven’t shot together for any episode.

Recently, you worked with her in Love Per Square Foot. How was it reuniting with her on screen after two decades?   

It was great. I enjoy working with her. I’m sure it will be good if we do something on a larger scale and with more meat to our roles. We are in that stage and age in our lives where working with good actors becomes a boon. My sister is a very good actress and when we are working together, we become our characters. We are not sisters then!  

It’s been a while since your husband Pankaj Kapur directed a film...

Yes. But there is something on the anvil. He will be directing a film soon.