'TV is the safest medium for women' - Rati Pandey

The vivacious actress, Rati Pandey who was last seen in Zee's Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai is back from her break and will soon be seen in the upcoming endeavor of Star One's Mile Jab Hum Tum where she will essay one of the most important and bubbly characters of the show.
 
We at Telly Buzz present an exclusive interview with Rati on her new venture, Bollywood and about her personal life too.
 
What was the reason for taking up Mile Jab Hum Tum?
After Har Ghar…, I wanted to play a character of my age and this show has given me the opportunity to do so. This will be my third show. Not many people know that I debuted on television from Deepti Bhatnagar's Shaadi Street which is supposed to come on Star Plus. I don't know why the show is held back for such a long time.
 
Can you elaborate little about your character in Mile Jab…?
I play the role of Nupur who hails from a small town. She comes down to Mumbai with her sister Gunjan (Sanaya Irani) for further studies. Both of us take admission in the same college where my cousin Dia (Navina Bole) is studying. Nupur is an extrovert and fun loving person that's what I can say for now. Slowly the character will develop and will be romantically involved with Mayank (Arjun Bijlani) in the show.
 
What were you doing during your break from television?
I was on a complete vacation in Delhi with my parents. I took almost two months rest after Har Ghar went off air. Besides that I was also recovering from a ligament tear in my ankle that I suffered during the performance of Zee Rishtey Awards last year. I did not get time to treat it earlier as I had already started with my Zee show. Even this time doctors suggested me to go for a small operation, but I could not due to date problems. I also did two south films during my break, so overall quite happy and satisfied.
 
Are you satisfied with the roles that you have played till now?
Well when it comes to satisfaction I'm still seeking for a big break where I can get good recognition as an actor. Its not that I'm not happy with the roles I have played in the past as it has reformed me, but still I want people to notice me as an actor with sense.
 
What kind of roles you are looking out for? Is it negative?
I'm keen on doing some powerful roles like that of a woman entrepreneur, or something related to corporate world. I don't think doing negative roles will be good for me initially. I may take one later but not those saas bahu stuff.
 
You have been seen in Indian looks only and not glam ones? Any specific reason for that!
There is no reason for it. It’s just that I have got such roles till now, but still am satisfied as even in Indian wear, I got an opportunity to experiment with my looks. In Har Ghar… it was a typical bahu's look whereas in Shaadi Street, it was a simple and sweet look with a naughty touch to the character. Again in Mile Jab… I look different. I told my director that I want a diverse look and they gave me this hair style which makes me look unlike my other characters.
 
Are you also planning to take some reality shows?
For now it's just this one show, but I would like to take a singing or a dancing reality show. Not many people know that I can sing with zeal and confidence though I have not taken any professional training. I had been learning Salsa for three months now and enjoy dancing.
 
It's been heard that you were supposed to take out your own album? What happened there?
Ya, before debuting as an actor I debuted as a singer. I was planning to cut my own album with one of my friends from this industry and we even composed the song and shot a video. The work was not completed as I started with my acting career.
 
Is Bollywood on your mind?
Yes of course, Bollywood will be my next step as an actor. Who doesn't want to go into that? But for now I still feel I need to brush-up more as an actor. TV is an equally powerful medium and I feel it's safer for women too. But later on if I get good offers I'll definitely take it.

Reporter and Author: Rachana Trivedi