Sweet ’n’ nice — that’s the quintessential Rajshri heroine. So is there any difference between Ritu of I Love You…Mr Kalakaar and Poonam of Vivaah?
It was exciting to play Ritu in I Love You…Mr Kalakaar in terms of the capacity, strength and vivaciousness of the role. It was a character completely different from what I left behind as Poonam of Vivaah but still within the same comfort levels of Rajshris.
Which means she’s conservatively dressed and behaved?
Ritu is a girl from Mumbai — born and brought up in South Mumbai … she’s a townie as we call them here… I am dressed in trendy, smart and casual wear, along with corporate outfits. There are two distinct looks in the film. As for her behaviour — she’s a strong yet sweet girl. Even if she disagrees with her father, she will not go against his wishes but will nonetheless put her point across. I play a management trainee, who is finding her own space in her father’s office.
You made your debut in 2002 with Ab Ke Baras, nearly a decade later, how do you analyse your standing in the film industry?
I am proud of the fact that I am a self-made artist. I have no filmy pedigree backing me or a godfather promoting me. Work has come to me and I have chosen roles that I am comfortable doing. I have the best of directors in my portfolio from Sooraj Barjatya, Raj Kumar Santoshi, John Matthew Mathan to Shyam Benegal. It has been an amazing journey since I have no formal training in acting I have been learning each day and bettering my craft as an actress.
You support an NGO, Nanhi Kali; according to you what is the most basic requirement for every woman?
Every woman should have the right to education and even if takes the government to make legislation to that effect, it would be most be most wonderful. We live in Mumbai, which is much safer than other cities, the job offers are much more sensible and also there is no restriction on clothes and such which small town girls have mind. Really we are so privileged.
To what do you attribute your being an independent, modern woman?
My parents have given me quality education for which I will be ever grateful to them. Through their quality time, they have given me some amazing values.
