The curly-haired comedienne is a known face on the small screen but not many are aware that the actress started her career with theatre. After a break of 10 years, Tannaz Irani is now returning with the English version of Selfie, a play that she is also directing. In a quick tête-à-tête with BT, she talks about being stereotyped as a comic actor and why she needs an image makeover.

Why did you stay away from theatre all this while?
In the past 10 years, I didn't find any script challenging enough. I didn't want to restrict myself to comedy; I wanted to do a serious play. I have been doing comedy for two decades now and everyone knows I am good at it. So, I am keen to explore a different genre and want people to see me in a new light. Ever since Boman Irani did the play I'm Not Bajirao in the 90s, he has been a huge inspiration for me. He got selected from stage and moved ahead in his career. That's exactly what theatre does to you - it takes you places. I hope this play will be an image changer for me.

Paritosh Painter has already directed Selfie in Hindi. How different will your version be?
I have totally changed the script and added so much more to every character. For me, at this stage in my career and life, this play has been a total catharsis. Every day during rehearsals, I would come up with something new, which would blow the minds of my actors. I believe I have taken Selfie to a completely new level.

Do you consider directing nerve-racking?
I was really nervous the first few days. Though this is the third time I am directing a play, my previous ventures were light-hearted. With this play, I had many challenges, as I am acting in it, too. I carried my work home. In fact, for the past many weeks, I don't even know what food is being cooked in the house! It has completely taken a toll on my life. As a director, I am a very hard taskmaster and like Hitler on stage. But my actors let me run them down because they have tremendous faith in me and know I will pick them up from wherever they have fallen. They don't mind me being strict because when they see people applauding during rehearsals, they are happy.

Will you be doing more plays now?
Yes, I am dying to do the next one! I already have an idea in my head. I have decided that everything that I will do henceforth will be meaningful. I am getting back to stage so that it can take me ahead from where I left off. Theatre has given me everything I have. I never had to give auditions or make a portfolio for my screen roles, as people saw me on stage and offered me work. Now, once again, theatre is going to give me a chance to move ahead, this time in a different direction.