Once a regular back-packer, Koel Purie also seems to be settling down on the writing desk.

“I write short stories and am also, whenever I can squeeze it in. I am working on a script which, if all goes well, I hope to direct next year,” she says holding up crossed fingers.

With so much on her plate (a couple of TV shows and a few films on the offing), Koel admits that packing travelling has become a luxury for her.

“I love to travel, so whenever I can, I take off,” adding with a laugh, “I used to backpack so much earlier, that now I think I have earned a bit of luxury.”

Of her unreliable schedule she adds, “Actors don’t really get a Sunday off, but when I do, I love having a big fat family lunch…and I always end up eating so much that I can’t move after (she laughs). I then make my way to the theatre and catch a movie.” 

Ask her how she picks up movie roles and she remarks: “I only take up projects that interest me,” says Koel.

On the newly launched chat show On The Couch With Koel, she goes on to say, “I come from a family where survival is not a necessity, so I am very lucky enough to have the luxury of choice. I don’t have to do something simply because I need to make a quick buck.” 

Best known for her off-beat roles, Koel  undertakes a new role of a TV anchor in her new chat show which she says “allows her to combine her two passions: talking and travelling”.

Having been given the freedom to pick her guests — Amar Singh, Salman Khan, Sachin Pilot, Siddharth Mallya, Aditya Mittal — Koel is quite pleased with the results so far, but has one more name to add to the list, “I want Irrfan Khan on my couch!” she screams.