Ketki Dave, a.k.a Kunjbala of Sony SAB's Pushpa Impossible, states, "Kunjbala was a wonderful opportunity for me to get out of my comic image."
• How did you come to bag the role of Kunjbala?
• J.D Majethia and Akash Kapadia are a formidable duo who have previously approached me with significant roles. So, when they asked me to play Kunjbala, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed, and they proved me correct! Also, it was a fantastic opportunity to move on from the comic image I had created with my past roles. So, I agreed and accepted the role of Kunjbala to finally work on the sets of this much-loved show.
• What motivated you to be a part of the show?
• As I have previously stated, I wanted to move on from the comic image. I was looking for a role that would be stark opposite to what I had done last and simultaneously relate to the audience. Kunjbala is like those typical grandmothers, stuck in her time with an acute sense of independence and a lot of stubbornness. I'm thrilled to bring Kunjbala to life. She is a challenging character to portray, which makes it a lot of fun. Additionally, Pushpa Impossible is a show I love because of its beautiful storyline and inspirational characters, so it's a delight to be a part of this show.
• You and your mother, Sarita Joshi, are gracing our screens again. Any stories from the sets you have for us?
• I'm thrilled to be reuniting with my mother on screen after nearly two decades and grateful for the opportunity. Sarita Joshi, my mother, is a legendary actress, and I can only hope to match her energy. She's always been my biggest critic. I mostly listened to her suggestions and sometimes told her, 'Aye mummy, chalo ab bas ho gaya'. We have a lot of inside jokes that keep us laughing, and it's amusing to see how clueless everyone else is. Working with a family member feels like being home to me, and it was also an excellent chance for us to have some mother-daughter bonding time because we were together for most of the day on set.
• How did you prepare yourself for your character Kunjbala?
• Kunjbala is highly realistic; she is a grandmother rooted in the past, has strong opinions about the younger generation's lifestyle, and is highly independent, feisty, and pretty stubborn. To prepare for this, I studied the character's creation and persona in depth to put myself in her shoes and give the viewers my most natural and realistic performance of Kunjbala. To be honest, playing this character is quite refreshing because it challenges my mind and wit, bringing out the best in me.
• What twists will Kunjbala bring to the Patel family's life and to the show?
• The generation gap between the saas-bahu duo of Kunjbala and Sonal will be a source of endless entertainment. Their deep love for one another, but their squabbles, will challenge the Patel family. It's going to be difficult because Kunjbala is strongly opposed to marrying off her beloved granddaughter to a family with a middle class family. It will be interesting to see what Pushpa brings to the table to solve this problem. The twists are bound to be mind-boggling because she is a grandmother who rules with an iron hand.
• A message for your fans, please?
• I am thrilled to get the support and love from this show's cast and fans. The audience has showered me with love because they appreciate Kunjabala's authenticity. My character reflects today's society, and I hope the audience understands the character's stern behaviour and the love behind that tough exterior. Thank you for your support and encouragement!