I didn’t become an actor to chase fame: Ketki Dave

Ketki Dave has been a part of showbiz for three decades now, and there has been one mantra that she has followed from day one. “I have to enjoy myself while playing a role, otherwise, it’s a waste of my time,” says Ketki, who has done films, TV shows and theatre.

“This is something I’ve always believed in. If I enjoy my role, my audience will too,” she adds.The actress says she is keen to explore the OTT space now. “I want to get into OTT, but makers are not visualising me in those roles. Maybe because they haven’t seen what I did 25 years ago and have slotted me in certain comedy roles. But I’m ready for that, too, because I just love to entertain. That apart, I would also like to explore serious roles like that of a police inspector or any other gripping role.” Theatre will remain her deepest connection with the craft. Ketki says, “Theatre keeps you alert. You have to remember your lines and stay sharp.” Her last play, Patni Nachave, Ene Kaun Bachave, ran for over 200 shows across the world. “People loved it, and that’s what theatre is — direct connection, instant response, no filters.”On the personal front, her husband, actor Rasik Dave’s demise in 2022 changed her life.

“When you share everything with one person and suddenly he’s gone, life changes overnight. But then, life also gives you things. It took Rasik away, but gave me my grandson five months later.”‘I’m not on social media and that’s okay’In the current age of social media, where actors are busy promoting themselves online, Ketki says she’d rather have her work speak for itself. “I’m not on social media and that’s okay. I have never felt the need to promote myself.

Even when I first got into acting, I didn’t do it for fame. I loved the audience’s affection — that’s what I saw my mother (veteran actress Sarita Joshi) getting. Fame came later, but I didn’t chase it,” she says.Instead, she believes in balancing things. “Work is one part of life. You need time for yourself, your relationships and your hobbies. Or else, you lose the joy of living. Success in every area — not just work — can bring happiness.”‘Aa ra ra was my improvisation’Ketki is currently seen in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. Ask her about her character Daksha, which became popular for her ‘aa ra ra’ dialogue, and she says, “Daksha Virani’s ‘aa ra ra’ was my improvisation after I requested the director in the first season.” She adds, “I’m open to doing more TV projects, but yes, closer to home! Long commutes to Naigaon or Umbergaon are tiring now. Shorter commitments, one or two months — I’m open to that.

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