We better have a superb script: Ratna Pathak Shah on Sarabhai vs Sarabhai

A lot of people rejoiced when it was revealed that classic sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai is all set to make a comeback as a web series. But Ratna Pathak Shah, who stood out in the original series as Maya Sarabhai, maintains that the team “better have a good script” to make sure the web series is noteworthy and lives up to the original’s standards.

“The world has changed today. Things have changed in the 10 years that we’ve been away and we need to acknowledge that. We need to be extremely well-prepared to come back with something better. If not, then we shouldn’t come back at all,” she says.

The actor, who is quite active in the Indian theatre scene, says that she has never had to face any “limitations” with regard to content in plays, unlike with movies. “I personally have never come across any problems regarding the plays we have wanted to produce.”

She also believes censorship is pointless. “When it comes to the censor board, I believe that it is a defunct organization now. I personally don’t see the point in censorship. Yes, there need to be guidelines, and one can’t say and do certain things. But besides that, if the censor board doesn’t support the artists who are creating content, I think it shows great immaturity and insecurity as a part of society. It means that we don’t trust each other.”

Watch: Trailer of Ratna Pathak Shah’s upcoming film Lipstick Under My Burkha

Ratna’s upcoming film celebrates women and sheds light on their search for freedom. When asked if celebrities in Bollywood really understand what feminism stands for, she says, “I’m not sure if actors need to be so conscious of their own political views. It doesn’t make any difference to me if I’m a feminist or not if I play the part that I am expected to play honestly and truthfully. I find it hard to do films in which women are shown in a derogatory way. My choice reflects my point of view.”