Low budgets post covid was one of the reasons I chose not to come back: Nausheen Ali Sardaar of Barsatein

Known for her iconic character 'Kkusum,' Nausheen Ali Sardaar has made a comeback on television with Sony TV's show 'Barsaatein' after a couple of years. The actress, who essays the character of Shivangi Joshi's (Aradhana) biological mother 'Mimi' in the show, got in an exclusive conversation with India Forums. Talking to us, Nausheen spilt the beans on her return to television. The actress also commented on what, according to her, has changed in television over the years and also went ahead to speak about her relationship with costar Shivangi Joshi.

You are returning on television after a long gap. How much did you miss TV, and why did you choose Barsatein to make a comeback?

See, honestly, I do not know if I can use the word comeback. Everyone uses this word like chewing gum. I don't know what to say. The point is not that I didn't want to work at that time. I was not happy with the projects that came my way. And also, the last time I took this long break was the first few weeks of lockdown. I was one of those few people who was very paranoid, and I didn't want to step out of my house. Whenever I got an offer, I would deny it because of Covid. Post Covid, the budgets, too, were scrapped pretty badly. And that was another very, very big reason that I said no to work.

I do not know if I can use the word comeback. Everyone uses this word like chewing gum. I don't know what to say. The point is not that I didn't want to work at that time. I was not happy with the projects that came my way.

Your iconic show 'Kkusum' was with Balaji on Sony TV. Does returning onscreen with Barsaatein feel like 'homecoming' to you?

Yes, it absolutely does. In fact, I have met so many people from the same team as Kkusum. The sound dada is the same; the spot dada is also the same. So, you know, the combination of Balaji and Sony does feel nostalgic.

What, in your opinion, has changed in television over the years?

See, I think Ekta is a trendsetter. She was the only woman who actually changed television 20 years ago. Whether you call it the Saas bahu drama or whatever you call it, I think she was the only woman who changed television and today I'm seeing her make these changes again. I say this because when we were given the brief of this show, she was very specific about the fact that the story of the show should not look like a typical saas bahu drama. She's given a very real feel to this show. So I guess she's gonna change television again.

When we were given the brief of this show, Ekta was very specific about the fact that the story of the show should not look like a typical saas bahu drama. She's given a very real feel to this show. So I guess she's gonna change television again.

Tell us about your equation with Shivangi Joshi?

I think Shivangi is a very lovely actress. I believe she is a very beautiful person inside out.

How will the story unfold once Mimi knows Aradhana is her daughter?

Honestly, even I do not know this. I think it will be an earth-shattering moment for Malini. Because it's not that she didn't love her daughter. I believe she cared about her daughter. She always wanted her to have a better future.

Are you watching the show? What do you think about Malini's character? Let us know in the comments below.