Genelia Deshmukh has been away from the limelight for a while now, focusing her energies on family and other aspects of life. Now, the actor has broken her 10-year screen hiatus with her maiden Marathi venture, Ved. “The feedback has been amazing,” says Genelia, who stars in it alongside actor-husband Riteish Deshmukh. The film also marks the latter’s directorial debut.

“When you take a 10-year break, there are moments when you think, ‘Do I really matter on screen?’. When it is appreciated, it is a great feeling. I’m enjoying it till it lasts,” she adds.

Though she did cameos in Jai Ho (2014) and Force 2 (2016), Ved is Genelia’s first full-fledged role since the 2012 Telugu film Naa Ishtam. The actor reveals she took a step back from films to focus on her sons, Riaan and Rahyl.

“I wanted to do it for myself. I wanted to start a family. I didn’t feel confident of doing these various things while being a part of films. It was a decision I took and I enjoyed it. Playing the roles of a homemaker, wife and mum in real life has shaped my personality. I also have a production house, music company and another venture. These aspects developed only because I had the time to think about them,” she says, confessing that if it wasn’t for Riteish, she would have “taken a longer break” from acting.

She has returned to showbiz, but Genelia has no plans to go on a signing spree. “I don’t mind hanging on for something I want to do. If I do it, I will do it wholeheartedly within the time frame that I give to it,” she wraps up.