Its always nice to get roles where I have to don a Saree: Amrita Rao

Having charmed the audience with her roles on popular Bollywood Flicks like Ishq Vishq, Welcome To Sajjanpur, Vivah, etc. the beautiful Girl Next Door' Amrita Rao has come a long way and now she is all set for her acting debut on television.

Amrita will soon be seen on &TV's upcoming show Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai (Produced by The House of Originals) as Kalyani Gaikwad who is a singer by profession. In a conversation with TellyBuzz, Amrita shared more about her character, donning Indian attire, things she has learnt from her sister Preetika Rao and much more.

What made you opt for this show for your acting debut on television?

It's a finite series and I was bowled over the concept. The character is the Hero of the story and I feel that something like this on television would truly catapult into a new age of television and will take it into a bigger league. I am very happy to be a part of it.

How did you prepare yourself for your role? Did you take music lessons for the show?

I revisited my music lessons and went back to the Hindustani Classical singing days. I have done 3 years of Hindustani Classical so going back to the Riyaz made me feel that - Why did I leave this?' Now even after the end of the show, I would still like to continue with the singing Riyaz for sure! I took Sitar lessons which was a different experience for me because Sitar is like an instrument of its own; it's like a musical festive of its own. The Sitar was there only to symbolize that Kalyani Gaikwad is not only into singing but also into music. Music is her passion and it could be anything.. whether it's singing or playing an instrument.

What's your take on your character? How well can you connect with your character in real?

There is a strong element of Kalyani that I can identify with and at the same time there are certain facets to the character that I cannot identify with and perhaps I can just admire from a distance. So, to step into the shoes of this role is going to be very difficult for me and I could sense that from my first meeting with the channel that it's not an easy role to play. I thought of taking up the challenge because everything about this role was just so magnetic, that I was getting pulled towards it.

What was your sister Preetika's reaction on your television debut?

She was very happy (smiles). Her journey on television had a very tough schedule and in fact every television actor has one and I have seen that from a very close quarter. It was good to get some insights and tips about the working schedule from her and that has certainly helped me.

How do you feel about your look on the show? How much you are enjoying your look?

It's so beautiful to be in a Saree! Recently I have realized that I have very less Indian outfits because my wardrobe is full of Jackets, Denims, etc. Although I am a girl from this generation but it's always nice to get roles where I have to don Indian attires, especially Saree because these days it's very rare to see Indian actresses in Saree.

Deepti Naval is playing the elder version of you on the show...

I was so excited to know that Deepti Naval Ji is playing the elder me in the series. Deepti Ji is somebody whom I could personally relate to as an audience. I always felt that she is real; she is not like some star up in the sky whom I have no connection with and I always wanted to have that connect with my audience as well. I think there couldn't have been a better casting other than Deepti Naval.

Whether you would be keen on doing more of television henceforth?

I have been getting offered roles on television from past 2 years by the top most channels and it took so long for me to say a Yes' to television roles with this one because nothing really gripped me before. I had always thought that if I wanted to do television then it should be bombastically unique and this was the one! This one gave me goose bumps... so I am here. I would not do the infinite and non-fiction on television for sure because they never excite me but I may do something interesting in this genre. 

Anwesha Kamal