From debuting in stalwart, filmmaker Satyajit Ray's Apur Sansar to becoming the begum sahiba of one of India's most prestigious estates, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore has lived a life nothing less than a dream. Her indomitable grace and enigmatic smile made her the queen of hearts in the 1960s and 70s. Currently shooting a music video in West Bengal, the actress speaks to BT about her comeback, embracing age and her newborn grandchildren. Excerpts...

It has been a while since one saw you in a movie. What's keeping you away from the studios?
Maybe people are not thinking or writing the kind of roles I can play. I would like to work but it has to be a good role.

Unlike other actresses who juggle family and career, you have an additional responsibility of managing an estate. How do you divide your time?
It's happened organically. I was with my daughter (Soha Ali Khan, who gave birth to a baby girl on September 19) when she was expecting. Before that, I was travelling with friends. Sometimes, I do everything, and then there are times when I don't want to do anything at all. Yes, managing the estate is not simple because you have to look into a lot of things when you are dealing with people and everyone seems to have some problem or the other. I am sure whoever has a big house will understand this but it's doable and I enjoy it.

There was a time when people only watched actors on the big screen. Today, they can connect with their matinee idols through social media and digital content. What's your take on the transition?
That's technological evolution. In this journey, every medium will have its relevance. Digital media has given people an opportunity to express themselves within a limited budget. While this gives you creative exposure, it also gives the audience a lot of variety. By spending less money, we get what we want. Also, often our taste is not in sync with what films offer in terms of entertainment. When you are catering to a big number, you try to please everyone, and often please no one.

Do you think stars might lose their charm if they become part of digital media content?
No, I think the attraction of the big screen and stars will always be there. But a lot of people would like to work in the digital space because it saves a lot of money. I might be wrong, but I think the impact of the small screen is comparatively less. Also, films have a longer shelf life.

In an industry where vanity matters, a lot of actresses of yore, including you, seem to have accepted age gracefully. What are your thoughts?
You can't stop growing old, it's inevitable. There will be physical changes and you have to adjust with it. Every age has its charm and beauty which you must accept. I know I am growing old and I can't escape it. I've never been away from public life, so people are privy to the way I grew old - I got married, I became a mother, I lost my husband and I became a grandmother. Now, I have grey hair and I don't use colour to hide it. If you are 70, you can't behave like an 18-year-old girl (laughs). Of course, I want to be fit. I should be able to touch my feet, walk and be agile. I emphasize on looking after myself. But I'm not interested in looking younger.

You have two new additions to your family - your son Saif Ali Khan's son Taimur and daughter Soha's daughter Inaaya Naumi. They must be keeping you on your toes, right?
I'm enjoying the company of these babies at home. They have certainly added to my happiness. It's wonderful to be with kids and see them around. But I'm also aware that time is limited. So I don't want to increase my maya with them. I'm quite occupied. My children take up a lot of time (laughs). I have friends, too. I'm enjoying the company of these two babies, but by the time they grow up, I don't know if I'll be around. I want to enjoy whatever time I have with them.