'Acting is in my blood' - Ulka Gupta

How difficult it was to play Jhansi Ki Rani?
It was not at all difficult. In fact it was interesting to play this role. Right from my childhood I love horse riding. And thanks to this show, I got to learn horse riding. My trainer was very strict but I managed through it all. I enjoyed a lot!

Were you fond of acting since childhood?
No. its not like I was fond of acting, but yes, it does come naturally to me. Since my dad is an actor, acting is in my blood.

How do you manage your studies and shoot?
I go to school in the morning and after classes I head to the studios at Aamgaon. The juggling is made easier because of the fact that its very close to Mumbai. Since I go to the sets with my school bag, I get time to study there. But when I don't have homework, I don't study. Then its enjoyment in full blast.

Before taking up this show did you learn about Rani Laxmi Bhai?
Yes, since childhood I am big fan of Jhansi Ki Rani and  I am very thankful to Zee TV that they gave me such a nice opportunity to play this role.

How is working with Aroona Irani?
She is a senior artist. Working with her is fantastic! She helps me with my scenes and she is so friendly that it's hard to believe that she is a senior artist. Her personality is so sweet that everybody talks about her!

Are you enjoying your star status?
I'm just happy that I'm making everyone around me smile.

What other projects you have done on TV?
I started my acting career at the age of 8. I have done Resham Dankh on Star One and recently I have done Saat Phere in which I played Saloni's daughter. By seeing my work in Saat Phere Zee TV has selected me to do this role.

Now you are in 8th Standard; in future how will you cope up with your studies?
The same way as I am doing today.

Do you see acting as a career option?
I want to be a camera- person or action- director. But I also love acting, as we get to do many things as an actor. My camera uncle teaches me camera handling and I am inspired by my action- director. I love both of them.

You said many things about you- that you go to school, then come for shoot… what else do you like to do?
I love eating. Basically I love to eat especially non vegetarian foods like chicken, prawns and aloo brinjal made by my mom. In fact I love my mom's cooking.

Can you tell us about your family?
Like I said, my dad is an actor. He has done theatre with Ila Arun. I have one brother and sister and all of them are very proud of me.

Who is more close to you?
Both my mom and dad are close to me. I like mom 'cause she's frank and allows me to do what I want. But when I play whole day my mom gets very irritated.

Reporter: Ranjini Nair
Author: Susan Jose