'I am single, but not at all ready to mingle' - Ridhi Dogra

Ridhi Dogra who started her journey in television as a Producer and later got into the groove of acting with Real TV's Hindi Hai Hum has now bagged a powerful role that puts light on the issue of women empowerment in Star Plus' newest offering Maryada-Lekin Kab Tak?

Ridhi in an exclusive conversation with TellyBuzz shares her latest experience from the show and her rapport with her onscreen cast and crew.

Tell us about the concept of the show Maryada?
The show is all about four women, it basically puts more light on women empowerment. The story is based on North Haryana where women are not given their rights and power to stand in the society. In real life, I have seen women tackling with their problems at my village; they don't voice and stand for their rights. The show will see such ladies coming forward and fighting for their rights.

Tell us about your character in the show?
As I said, the show focuses on four women facing their set of problems. The story is about how they unite to fight for all their rights. My character Priya Pradhan comes from the background where my father is someone who always fights for the right things. So being from such a background, I have taken up after him. Apart from that she is a responsible girl who is very sensitive and knows where to draw a line for herself.

What made you to take up this character in the show?
Honestly speaking I never take up roles which don't appeal me. If taken a look around this small screen, you could see more and more actors trying to create their new image through their authentic acting. They don't want to create dramatic shades which television industry initially had. Talking on the character I would say, I had auditioned for two roles, namely Vidhya and Priya, which were both nice in their own way. I got selected for Priya's role. So acting naturally was the major motive behind taking up the role.

What do you expect from the character you essay?
My character has lot many shades to essay, so desperately waiting to essay them. Priya is not filmy, she is fed up with the way life has dictated things for her and is trying to get out of it. In the meanwhile, she will face many problems, she will fall in love, she will cry, laugh, will get angry etc. So I am looking forward for my character to grow.

How far do you think the show will succeed in appealing to the audience?
I want this show to last till I last (Smiles).The show on the whole has lot to say, it is not just the story about two people, but every character has something to convey in every episode. So the show will not only concentrate on one person or one issue at a time but will revolve around all characters.

How is your rapport with the co actors?
My rapport with all the actors and cast is just rocking; we are doing very well together. In the initial parts of the show itself we gelled like a family. We play cards for the whole night. Not only the cast but also our director and creative are so lovely that they keep our spirits high and have fun with us.

How has your experience been playing Priya till now?
It has been great and I would thank the director and creative for making my life simpler. I am hoping for more good things in future.

Any incident you want to share with us?
Yes, there are certain scenes that I have shot for the show which really made me scary. There was this scene where I was asked to stand on the edge of the platform facing the super fast train coming my way.  The second incident was when I was made to stand at the edge of the suicide point without any support or harness. Though I was asked to give very sad expressions, my eyes were watering and my body was shaking with fear. That was something very scary till date.

Do you regret not being a part of Laagi Tujhse Lagan as you character ended very abruptly?
No I don't regret not being a part of the show because even though my character was liked by the audience, the show is all about Nakusha and Dutta Bhau and not any one else. In fact I am feeling happy that I have been loved so much for that character. I came to know about it after I got out of the show when people started asking me to come back..

Do you plan to produce a show on TV?
Not at all!! Initially I was working with Zoom, I was an employee with them but now my thoughts have changed. I want to perceive many good things in my career. Till the time I am happy with acting, I will continue with the same. But  at some point in my life, I want to study fashion and become a stylist.

Are you happy with the career you have had?
Yes, of course, I am happy with what I am now because as I said, I have even done a job before, so I knew how one feels on a Sunday evening when he/she thinks about resuming office the next day. I am happy that I don't have to go and attend the meetings and seminars, but have to essay a different character over all.

Are you dating someone?
No, I am not dating anyone. Though I am single, I am not ready to mingle for the reason that I know that once I get into any relationship, that might come in between my work and career. You can say that I am purposely not getting into any relationship.

Any comments to your fans!
Firstly, Diwali is on so happy Diwali to all the readers and fans, have a safe and prosperous Diwali.  Thanks for the love and support you all have given for Priya and Supriya. Hope you shower the same blessings forever.

Reporter and Author:  Tejashree Bhopatkar