India, Aug. 4 -- V eteran Vandana Pathak believes that regional cinema is currently experiencing its most creative phase. The actor, who has been active in multiple regional industries, recently appeared in the Gujarati film Jalebi Rocks, which was well received for its nuanced take on menopause. "Regional cinema offers a creative space that allows for deeper exploration and authenticity," she says, adding, "The younger generation is bringing in fresh subjects and solid writing. Audiences are evolving too; they now expect more than just comedy; they want experimentation and something meaningful." While acknowledging the wider reach and larger budgets associated with Hindi content, Vandana notes: "Hindi content has global visibility, but regional cinema is no longer confined. There's a genuine curiosity and eagerness to explore diverse stories. After over three decades in the industry, what excites me most is the opportunity to play meaty, challenging roles." Having last appeared on television in Manmohini (2019), the 49-year-old returned to the small screen after a six-year hiatus with Tumm Se Tumm Takk. She calls it a "carefully considered decision". "TV wasn't offering anything exciting," she admits, adding, "At this point in my career, either the role needs to creatively satisfy me or the project should be financially worth it. I was also more inclined to work with people I trust and am comfortable with." Reflecting on how the television industry has changed over the years, Pathak says, "When we shot weekly episodes, there was time to delve into characters and stories. Now, with the daily format, everything feels rushed and repetitive. Writers hardly get time to develop storylines, and that's a major reason many shows aren't working today."...