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Ready for another litmus test

Aruna Irani's fifth serial "Vaidehi ... Ek Aur Agnipareeksha" will air on Sony TV soon

FOR WOMEN Aruna Irani's serial "Vaidehi ...Ek Aur Agneepariksha" is all about women's strength PHOTO: ANU PUSHKARNA

The tone of one's voice reflects much about the personality. People young at heart have a chuckle in their voice. And the veteran actress Aruna Irani can safely be listed in this category. She has that exuberance and `never-say-die' spirit that you find in most young go-getters. You compliment her on her young, mike-friendly voice and she chuckles like a kid in high spirits. "Is it? Wow! I didn't know it. Now, I can fool young boys on the phone," she laughs with abandon .

Positive theme

With this approach and untiring spirit, Aruna is all set for the telecast of her fifth serial Vaidehi - Ek Aur Agneepariksha, scheduled from June 5 at 10 p.m. on Sony TV. She has produced and conceptualised the serial, which is directed by Pawan Sahu. Aruna, who earlier made hit serials like Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand, Zameen Se Aaman Tak, Mehendi Ter Naam Ki and Tum Bin Jaooun Kahan says that this time she brings alive the positive and tolerant side of women. Says the actress who made her name as an effortless comedian in Hindi films, "The heroine of my story is like Cinderella in one way, who dreams about a rich, loving man who would come to take her away.

But at the same time she is scared of marrying this rich man because of the assumed basic differences in his high-flying attitude and her yielding demeanour.

When her dream of marrying a rich man materialises and the apprehension comes true, she is taken aback. How she initially sits back and tolerates his infuriating behaviour and later fights for her own right is what the serial is based on."

Surprise element

Vaidehi, as we know, is another name for Sita, and Aruna's choice of the title is based on the `never-say-die' attitude of the women.

"Sita exists in all ages. Sita of ancient times had her own way of fighting for her rights. This serial reflects on how Sita of today fights for her rights.

It hints that women are naturally soft hearted, hence are generally forgiving. But if they are wronged, they don't tolerate it stoically," asserts Aruna.

Sounds like a feminist theme. Aruna differs. "I am not a feminist.

And that's why the men in my serials are very strong. Some may be playboys initially, but they show shades of love and tolerance. I don't like to make women-centric serials either."

Aruna promises a great surprise in the third episode. "You will be in for a shock in the third episode.

That is my trump card. I won't reveal it to you. In the first two episodes I have created such a situation that by the time the viewers reach the third episode, they would ponder over what they would have done if they were Vaidehi," she avers.

Me too

Aruna has kept "a very good role" for herself too. "Before this serial I never claimed that I have a `very good' role in my serials. But this one is. I play an extremely understanding mother-in-law, Sita. Seeing my role, all girls would dream of having such a mother-in-law." she insists.

For long the audiences haven't seen her in films.

"I do want to act in films but I don't have time. I miss my comedy days and I would love to do some comedy roles again. Writing scripts I have also realised that it is easier to act in comedy roles than writing a comic piece.

Nonetheless, writing new concepts gives me a new direction. I admit that it is far more creative than acting. It often proves cathartic for me," she concludes.

RANA SIDDIQUI

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