On June 17, Dress Circle- the theatre division of Oberoi Middle East Events will be presenting a family play Kuchh Tum Kaho Kuchh Hum Kahen at Hotel Renaissance, Dubai. Its main attraction will undoubtedly be the international stage debut of Smriti Irani, the actress better known as Tulsi – the typical Indian Bahu (daughter-in-law) that she portrays in India’s most successful TV soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. This serial has been running on the telly for more than five years, crossing a thousand episodes and still maintaining its top TRP ratings. Its phenomenal success has made Tulsi- I mean Smriti, an icon.

When I manage to contact Smriti for a telephonic interview, she has just been through a hectic schedule of travel, rehearsals and a meeting with a State Chief Minister. Still displaying all the sweetness, intelligence and courtesy- very much like Tulsi, she answers my questions candidly. Here are the excerpts of the interview.

What made you take up a stage assignment?

As an artiste one always wants to learn more about her craft and what better medium than stage to do that! Here the audience sees you live and the reaction is instant. I was keen to do something different but within my preferred parameters.

What attracted you to this particular play?

Kuchh Tum Kaho Kuchh Hum Kahen is a very contemporary story depicting two generations of a family and showing both sides of the coin. It brings forth views of both genders, too. As Tulsi, I have got an audience from six to sixty years in age- this play offered me to do something which will appeal to that audience and yet be different.

Were there any special butterflies in your tummy while acting on stage?

Not really. But the challenge was to be accepted not only by my audience but also by my co-actors like Firoze Bhagat and Apara Mehta- both of whom are veteran stage artistes trained by the best in business. Just working with them on th