What made you take the plunge — to play a woman in Mrs Pammi Pyarelal?

I heard the concept and it was pretty nice. A comedy show on a prime channel in a good time slot (Monday to Saturday at 7pm on Colors) is always great. Pammi, my character, is married and lives with her family. It’s a different role, but then acting is all about make-believe.

How much time do you take to get into Pammi’s shoes, er, high heels?

It takes around two hours to get ready with make-up and my full get-up. Pammi is a pretty girl, and so the dressing and styling is done accordingly. I generally come on sets in shorts and then the production people make me look good!

Isn’t all that make-up a bother?

It’s a different feeling. Women are used to it. I don’t even wear a watch or ring. But Pammi is always decked up. I am getting used to it. I sprained my leg the first day I wore high-heel sandals! The production people are all very understanding and helpful. They immediately change the things that I am not comfortable in.

Is the show inspired by Dostana or Andaz Apna Apna?

It is not. We are neither talking about sexuality, nor about cross-dressers. Pammi is a woman and she’s happy being a girl. In television, even a 25-year-old actress plays a grandmother. I am a man who is playing the character of a woman. If we talk about the humour, I would like the show to be like Andaz Apna Apna. It was a cult movie.

Were you apprehensive about how the audience would react to you playing a woman?

When the promos came out I had this question mark, but the response was awesome! Even in the promos we have not gone into the cheap zone, as it is a family show.

Pammi is a fitness freak who loves swimming and yoga, besides eating and watching TV. Do you share the same interests?

Pammi is quite fashionable whereas I am comfortable in chappals. I might pick up the first shirt kept on the shelf if I have to get ready for an event.

Who is your favourite cross-dresser on screen?

Lots of actors have played female roles but have done it more like a gimmick. In recent times, Aamir Khan has looked perfect as a woman (in the Godrej ad). But let me add that Mrs Pammi Pyarelal is not a spoof. I am not making fun of being a woman.