Maya Sarabhai has given me a lot, but it’s not the only thing I can do: Ratna Pathak Shah

Be it television or films, Ratna Pathak Shah’s characters from shows like Idhar Udhar (1985), Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai (2004), films like Kapoor & Sons (2016), Golmaal 3(2010), or her recent D-town debut, Kutch Express (2023), remain unforgettable. With her latest work, Happy Family: Conditions Apply(2023), she has ventured into the comedy space once more. In a recent chat with us, the actress got candid about being remembered as Maya Sarabhai, the lack of good comedy shows in India and playing no-filter characters.Excerpts:
‘Comedy has saved me many times in my life’
From changing the outlook of TV comedy to becoming a favourite of social media memes, Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai is remembered fondly even 19 years later. Speaking about the show’s journey, Ratna shares, “The first time Aatish (Kapadia, director) came to me with the show, he gave me a very brief sketch of the character and story. I had no idea how long of a commitment it would require and without even reading the full script, I said yes in just 10 minutes! Cut to 20 years later, in a similar fashion, when he approached me for Happy Family, I agreed to play Hemlata immediately. That is the level of trust I have with the makers, and their naturally crazy, zany take. I feel we take everything too seriously and have got to look at life with a tinge of humour because comedy has saved me many times in my life.”
When asked if she enjoys being referred to as Maya Sarabhai after all these years or would she rather step out of the image, Ratna shares, “Maya and the show has given me a lot. It gave me a chance to learn more about comedy. I really didn’t know how to handle comedy but fortunately, that character worked out. But, I have done a lot of other work, particularly my work on stage, which never gets looked at by the general audience. The only two things I am known for are Golmaal 3 and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, and honestly, I’d rather be known for Sarabhai. It really has been a game changer for television in our country, especially because it has grown on people. I am proud to be known as Maya and embrace the character thoroughly. I wish I could be so witty! However, that is certainly not the only thing I can do.”
‘No-filter characters push the boundaries in entertainment’
Ratna Pathak Shah as Hemlata in Happy Family: Conditions Apply
Playing bold, no-filter characters has become a trademark style for the actress, who finds such roles interesting and challenging. “Such characters induce a few gasps but also make you laugh, which is what makes them even more entertaining. They also help push the boundaries of what is acceptable, and give a voice to things that everyone thinks but never says out loud,” she says.
So, how does she strike the balance in such characters that are mean yet loveable? Ratna shares, “It all depends on the writing. It is very difficult to pull them off without the script being aware of the fact that you’re walking on a very thin line and have to maintain that balance at all costs. If the character is well-written, then it becomes a no-brainer for the actor. Then I just have to take care of the timing.”
‘Comedy me jo chiz chalti hain hum ussi ko copy karte rehte hai’
Speaking about the kind of content being made today and why we don’t have many long-lasting comedy shows, the actress says, “There is a big problem in our country ke jo chiz chalti hai, ussi ko hum copy karte rehte hain baar baar, without realising that everything has a shelf life. Aap roz ek hi tarah ka khana nahi kha sakte. I don’t understand why very few comedy shows worth remembering have been made after Sarabhai and Khichdi. We are a big country, does no one else have the skill to make a unique comedy show? What are we being given in the name of comedy today? It is a big conundrum as to why we aren’t able to produce good comedy shows in India.”
On a parting note, Ratna adds that good content can bring everyone together, irrespective of the medium. “Coming together and watching shows or movies is a very Indian mood. While promoting Kutch Express, I came to know that many mandals and societies had booked tickets in bulk for 100-200 people and they all came to watch the film together. We still love doing things in groups with friends and family, and entertaining content has the power to do that.”