Television and film actress Bharati Achrekar, who was last seen on the big screen in The Lunchbox, is now back on the small screen with Sumit Sambhal Lega, an adaptation of the US sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. The actress tells us about her role in the show and how television has changed over time. Excerpts from an interview:
Why did the role in Sumit Sambhal Lega interest you?
I had seen some of the episodes of the original series around three-four years ago and I was completely in love with the character of Marie Barone. I think she is a fantastic actor and her character is one that stays with you. Plus, I really love the show itself, since it is not an over-the-top comedy and has family values. There was no question of saying no to the role.
In what ways you feel television has changed over the years?
I think the landscape of the industry has changed drastically and unfortunately I can’t say it has all been for the better. The way shows are shot in the morning and telecast in the evening really doesn’t make sense to me. I have worked on shows like Ye Jo Zindagi Hai, Buniyaad and Wagle Ki Duniya. I feel that somewhere the younger generation is losing its touch with television, which is very sad. In fact, after a very long time I feel happy that even the younger audience is appreciating Sumit Sambhal Lega.
