With Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai on &TV taking a time leap, Bollywood actress Amrita Rao is set to make her television debut as the graceful singer Kalyani Gaekwad. The show, which focusses on the rivalry between two sisters, has already garnered a positive response and Amrita is glad to have chosen this show among the many TV offers she has had in recent times. The pretty actress speaks to us about what makes this role so special. Excerpts...

How difficult was it to step into the shoes of Kalyani Gaekwad?
This is by far one of the most difficult and most illustrious roles that I have portrayed. It's difficult because it has such a varied graph. The character ages every 10 years; you see a 20-year-old Kalyani, then a 30-year-old, then a 40-year-old and then the 50-year-old and above played by Deepti Naval. It's illustrious because I have played the girl next door before, but I have never played the girl next door who became a phenomenon. That was something overwhelming.

How much do you relate with Kalyani?
There are a few aspects of her which I completely relate with, like her simplicity. She is totally inclined towards music and singing and is somebody who is very focussed. She loves her work, but she chooses not to get distracted by the frills and the fancies and the commercialization or other paraphernalia that comes along with the territory. She is happiest and most secure in her comfort zone, which is the recording studio. You will not see her trying to make a style statement, attend parties or be somebody other than herself. I could relate to that very much. Then there are a lot of aspects of Kalyani that I can be in awe of, but I cannot be, perhaps. She would be far more dedicated towards her talent and her profession. And if any obstacle came in the way of her becoming a proficient singer, she would make sure she overcomes that and become the best... that's another great quality that she possesses.

The journey here on will see you step into the music industry where you will be seen sharing space with Salma Agha...
It's perfect casting. Salma Aghaji has a regal air about her and her singing... she is a master at it. It was lovely working with her. In the show, Kalyani is always in awe of Nayantara Devi (Salma Agha).

Since you have trained in music, will you sing in this show?
My mom always thought I would become a playback singer (smiles). I underwent training in classical singing for three years when I was in school but then my focus shifted to studies after which I got into acting. Acting is my passion, but singing is a part of my soul. All my co-stars and directors have to endure it all the time! Yes, I would love to sing in this show, but right now we want to find that one voice for my character, and I am not qualified for that.

The cracks are already visible in Kalyani and her sister Ketki's relationship... how does Kalyani deal with the sibling rivalry?
Kalyani has to step into her father's shoes and become the provider. She is far more mature and responsible and almost mothering her sister. I can't reveal anything more right now.

What's your take on sibling rivalry?
I don't have any memory of rivalry. I don't think sisters can have rivalry. They may not be on the same page, but they will always be in the same book. They will always be together.

How has your television experience been so far?
I'd heard a lot of things about television... about there being no bank of episodes and long working hours. So initially, I did have a lot of apprehensions. But everything has worked out fine. Our attempt is to make something different and we are successfully achieving that. We are well planned and have a bank ready. We are not compromising on quality, which is a good assurance. The fact that this is a finite show is a huge plus. Also, I think it helps to have experience as an actress. The biggest challenge in television, compared to films, is to catch the audiences' attention within the confines of a distracted environment where the doorbell is ringing, the telephone is buzzing and the cooker is going off!

Watch the struggles of Kalyani and Ketki as they try to make a mark for themselves in Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai every Monday ­ Friday at 8 pm on &TV.