Karishma Tanna, who had a cameo in Naagin 3, does not discount her return to this Colors snake saga. “We all know how dynamic TV is. It all depends on the story and what works. If Ekta ma’am wants me back, I am more than game.”

For the moment, she is quite happy with the initial response to her leading Star Plus horror, Qayamat Ki Raat. “I guess the tantric, essayed by Nirbhay Wadhwa, is being liked by all (kids and housewives). Horror is a very good TV genre; but finally what works is content. Not all horror shows have become hits. Luckily, we have ticked all the appropriate boxes. “It really feels great to note that we opened to 2.3. We had another challenge, in the sense that Star Plus weekend shows had not rated good for a long time.”

But the numbers have dropped in week 2? “Well, the initial burst also included the promotional traction crowd. We are still number#2 or #3 on the channel. Getting 1.8 ratings is no walk in the park. You also need to factor in that we are a biweekly. TV always does go through cyclic phases. After a good start, you drop a bit but bounce back. The cast and crew have not lost hope with this drop and we will continue to chug ahead.”

Here, Karishma, who has been part of TV since Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,back in 2001, says, “The super success of Naagin 3 and our good performance clearly indicates that people who call desi content regressive still watch it. What else explains the high numbers? Then, wanting to sound cool, they end up bad mouthing the same shows.”

You had been away from TV for a while? “Well, no offence to those who keep doing TV for years at end. I can’t; the monotony turns me off. Lack of growth is another major issue. I always need work satisfaction. I had not closed the door on good work; hence, when Balaji offered me Qayamat, I said yes. Also, being just twice a week, the stress is less.”

In closing, we ask her about her short role in the recent blockbuster biopic, Sanju. “I really enjoyed playing both a gujju girl-next-door and the bold part.” She smartly refuses to comment on why the narrative did not touch upon all aspects of Sanjay Dutt’s life. “It is up to the producer or director (RajKumar Hirani) on what to show.”