Vaishnavi Dhanraj from Mamta & Yash Patnaik's show, 'Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal' opens up on Indian audiences

Vaishnavi Dhanraj likes the title of the show Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal and finds it superlative and relatable. The actor, who plays the role of Mehek in this Yash Patnaik and Mamta Patnaik production, shares that the title goes with the concept of the show. 

“The story is out of the box. It's a combination of thrill, action, romance, love, friendship, hatred, vengeance which makes it very dramatic and interesting,” she continues about her character, “Mehek hails from the family of very powerful yoginis. Her ancestors were magicians who used their powers to help the society. Though she starts realising her powers gradually in the story, once she does she becomes more responsible and tries her best to use her powers for good. She is a caregiver, protector and healer with a modern tadka.”

Vaishnavi relates with Mehek. “I have been practicing yoga for years now. So I relate to Mehek in every way. She handles stressful situations well. Mehek is matured and wise, yet, there's joy and humility in her that cannot be tethered. When I heard the character briefly, I knew I was portraying it. This role is tailor-made for me. I feel blessed,” she says.

About prepping for the character, Vaishnavi adds, “I’ve started getting into the theoretical part of being a yogini, the mudras, the deep science behind breathing techniques (pranayam) and so on. I have also started reading more books and watching more videos on Yoga. Also, I wake up early in the morning everyday to practice meditation and pranayam so that it becomes a part of my identity which will ultimately help Mehek's body language and over-all performance in the show.”

The actor also praises Patnaik and team Inspire Films. She says that “it’s nice” to collaborate with them. She also enjoyed shooting in Mussoorie and Dehradun. 

 “I love Mussoorie and Dehradun as I have a lot of childhood memories there. So, shooting there felt like revisiting my childhood. It was tiresome and hectic but refreshing,” she adds.

The trend of thrillers and mystery shows are here to stay, she feels. “Indian audiences have evolved in terms of what they feed their brains. People have always liked mysterious plots. The thrill of the unknown is what makes these shows worth watching.”

The things that she keeps in her make-up room are her ukulele, books, speaker, agarbattis, candles, blanket and Shiva painting. “This are like must-haves for me,” she smiles.

On the role that is closest to her and those who she considers her mentor, Vaishnavi says, “Until now it has to be playing Nirbhaya for Aaj Tak. It was one of the toughest roles to portray for me. Second would be Tasha and Janvi for C.I.D and Na Ana Iss Des Laado, respectively. And now it is Mehek from Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal. And, I think it will be Mehek for a long time now. As it just encapsulates everything that I am. As far as mentors are considered, I learn from everyone. We all are reflections of each other. Every person ,animal or place or situation is a lesson if we dare to look deeper than we are used to. So, I would say my heart is my mentor and guide in life,” she adds.

Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal has been mounted on a very high scale. “It should be. A lot of hard work, sweat and blood have been put into it by each and everyone. Don't know about others but we surely think it deserves to be mounted on a high scale. The team comprises good technicians, production, channel and highly skilled and dedicated actors,” says Vaishnavi, who considers herself her own critic.

So how do you celebrate life? “I live in the present moment, appreciating every bit of it, the good and the bad. Knowing that life is in the now makes me live life to the fullest. So, every second for me is a celebration,” she ends.