Mandira Bedi plays government agent in Anil Kapoor`s `24`

Mumbai: Actress Mandira Bedi, who is back on the small screen after a gap of nine years with the Indian adaptation of American drama series `24`, is essaying the role of a government agent on the show. The Hindi version, which has borrowed the same name is written by Rensil D`Silva, directed by Abhinay Deo and produced by Anil Kapoor. It will premiere in August. "I play a government agent in `24`. I have shot for ten days and will be shooting my part for another 45 days over four months. It has been a great experience. I am doing fiction after nine years," Mandira said in an interview here. "I chose `24` because I was excited, I have seen the international format, and I wanted to work with Abhinav. I have watched five seasons. I am playing the Nina Myers character. Tisca Chopra and actress Anita Raj play the other characters," she said. Nina Myers is a fictional character on the American show, played by Sarah Clarke. Earlier, Mandira has acted in television serials like `Shanti` and `Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi`. And now she is back as an anchor on singing reality show, `Indian Idol Junior`. "The timing is right. I relate to children differently now. I am really enjoying this experience. We do have an emotional connect with contestants and feel sad when they are eliminated," she said. Well, Mandira did host ICC Cricket World Cup, Champions Trophy and one of the seasons of Indian Premier League. Ask her what she has to say about the ongoing spot-fixing cricket controversy, she said, "The IPL has been hurt but it is a strong brand. Fixing of any kind be it spot-fixing or match-fixing, hurts the game and the fans. The IPL carnival comes along once a year. I hope by next year the game will get cleaned up." PTI