After starring in Kash... Aap Hamare Hote (opposite Sonu Nigam), the superhit Punjabi film, Yaaran Naal Baharaan, and a successful career in theatre, Juhi Babbar takes on a TV career in Shah Rukh Khan’s new serial Ghar Ki Baat.

After doing films and theatre, what brings you to television?

I have had television offers for ages now. I think if I had taken up the very first offer, I would have become a veteran by now, mere jaane ka time aa gaya hota. I did not want to waste myself doing mediocre work so I opted for theatre. Theatre spoils us because it offers a lot of creative satisfaction. By God’s grace and because of my family, I have never had to work for money. So big money and/or television offers, never did anything for me. But I think TV was a karmic connection that had to happen. When the Red Chillies people came to me and told me what that show was about and who were the people involved, I just could not say ‘no’.

How has your dad, Raj Babbar, and the Babbar family reacted to your doing television?

They are happy. They know that I will not make wrong decisions. Despite my first film not doing well, offers were coming my way. Filmon mein ladkiyon ke liye offers khatam nahin hote hain. But it is about what you want to do.

So is this show giving you the creative satisfaction which theatre gave you?

I was very scared because I was told that television is this big bad world, which I believe it is.

So did you experience the ‘big bad world’ of television?

I can’t say that because I have not experienced it. Our set is like a home to me. It has a theatre atmosphere and I feel I’m in a familiar setting. The other crew are also from theatre and we get a lot of freedom while performance. (Director) Ananth Mahadevanji and (creative director) Aziz uncle are so cool. There is a lot of spontaneity, we do a great degree of improvisation. There is so much fun on the sets, time just flies.

Have you got used to the hectic schedules of television?

I’m accustomed to very hectic schedules in theatre because I write, act, direct and also sub-produce with my mom (Nadira Babbar). In fact, the problem I am facing here is that I tend to interfere in every department. I have to keep reminding myself ‘Juhi, you are just the actress here. Control yourself’ (laughs).

Will theatre take a back seat now?

No way. My heart, my life, my everything, belongs to theatre.

In that case how will you strike a balance between theatre and television?

Red Chillies approached me because they wanted an artiste from theatre, someone who is spontaneous. When my creative head, Bhavna, approached me I had told her that they would need to adjust because I wouldn’t be able to put theatre in the backseat. They have adjusted a lot with me and that’s unprecedented in a TV set-up. But if you want somebody from theatre then you better accept my love for theatre.

How would you rate yourself on sense of humour?

(Bursts out laughing) I suggest you ask Alibhai (Asgar) or Swapnil (Joshi) that. Do not ask me.

On a serious note, is comedy really serious business?

It is serious business. It is a great feeling if you can bring a smile on someone’s face.

By and large, how good is the content on TV?

Honestly, I’m not a television watcher. But I understand and believe that television is taking a turn and there is some good work happening.

Will you consider other offers for television?

Only if it is extremely good. I do not believe in lowering the standards I have set for myself. I did a Hindi film and it did not work out, I thought ‘Nahi neeche nahi aana hai’. I did a Punjabi film Yaaran Naal Baharaan and after that I got tons of Punjabi films but I didn’t want to waste myself. Now that I’m doing a good show for Red Chillies, whoever approaches me better come up with the best or he/she will be disappointed.

Let’s end with your first love, theatre. Which plays are you doing?

Pencil Se Brush Tak is based on M.F. Husain’s life. I am doing Begum Jaan with mom; both of us are acting in it. I am also doing Ji, Jaisi Aapki Marzi, a women-oriented play.