Kamya Punjabi, the fire-breathing vamp of Banoo Main Teri Dulhann was a difficult catch. When we finally managed to pin her down on her day off, we discovered there is a human side to this proud-to-be-a-vamp lady...

So finally you have managed a day off from shooting...

I usually shoot 30 days a month. But this month has been very chilled out because they have created a bank of scenes. Of late, I have been spending a lot of time with my family. I do not have too many friends so I shop with my family and lunch with them too.

Banoo Main Teri Dulhann has undergone a lot of changes...

I really miss the old cast because after working for two years, you get deeply attached to each other. Fortunately, the new cast is very good and co-operative so I’m enjoying their company as well.

Have you adapted to your new look — that of an older woman?

I’m not too happy with my look but I’m not one of those actors who will look as young after a 40-year leap as they did before the leap (laughs). I wanted to look like a 55-year-old lady and I am happy I do. Though I was not comfortable tying my hair up, I went ahead because my character didn’t look convincing with her hair left loose. It was my decision to tie my hair and wear full sleeves. I do not want to look like Kamya Punjabi, I want to look like Sindoora.

You have a great bond with your character...

I’m very fond and possessive about my character Sindoora. If I feel that there is a dialogue which does not suit Sindoora’s strong character, I talk it out with the creative team. Even they have given me the liberty to question them because they know that nobody knows my character as well as I do. I have made this character and lived this character for far too long.

Why are you so fond of Sindoora?

Sindoora has been close to my heart since the first day of shooting. I have worked very hard on it as I wanted to make it a very distinct character. I wear minimal make-up and the appropriate saris. I have done my homework for her.

Have the lines between real and reel been blurred — are you like Sindoora?

I’m actually like Sindoora. I am very stubborn and usually maintain a distance with everybody. It takes me time to open up. But I also like people. I spend more time with my team than my family. So after the reincarnation track, when a lot of new characters were introduced, I personally ensured ki sab theek thaak rahe aur kissi ko koi problem na ho. There were hectic schedules and we had to shoot day and night but I explained to the new cast that this was the exception rather than the rule.

Negative characters seem to have a pivotal role on TV these days...

I do not want to boast but don’t you think that after Sindoora, negative characters have gained significance? The audience knows that without Sindoora there is nothing to do for Sagar and Vidya and vice-versa. Sindoora is arguably the most powerful lady in the show.

You played Kiran in Astitva and now Sindoora. You are a popular choice for negative characters...

I’m very happy with my lot but I would love to do a positive role, too.

Have you set your sights on the big screen?

I’m not a filmy person; I do not want to become a heroine. But I would like to do films like Life in a…Metro or Omkara. I would love to do what Konkona did in Metro. It may be a one-scene role but it should be important and something for me to do.