
TV's Madhubala aka Drashti Dhami is back on the small screen with the show 'Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani', which is set in the pre-Independence era. The actress spoke to us about her break after 'Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon' went off air, her married life, and why her hosting stint with 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' was short-lived.
I am working on my Hindi diction for this show
There was a lot more for the creative team to do than us in this show. They had been doing the research for a long time. I underwent a lot of costume trials and we experimented with many hairdos before finalizing my look for the show. What I get stuck with are the Hindi words. I am not very good with the Hindi numerals, so I am working on that. Honestly, I wasn't approached for any other show after 'Madhubala' went off air. For 'Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani', within just 15 minutes I decided that I want to do this show. It just looked like a different, larger-than-life show. So, I gave it my nod.
I wanted time for my wedding, so I chose the time after 'Madhubala'
I think I have had my share of holidays, so I wanted to get back to TV. I had always wanted time for my wedding. I wanted to enjoy that phase of going shopping, chilling with my mother and spending time with his family too. I didn't want to do everything in a rush. I am that person who's obsessed with clothes. I needed time to do everything. I don't like it if someone goes and buys a handkerchief for me. I am glad I decided to get married after Madhubala went off air. Even after getting married, I got the time to adjust with my new family.
I didn't enjoy hosting 'Jhalak'
Every actor can't be a host and vice-versa. I tried to give my best to Jhalak, but somehow, it didn't work out for me. I didn't enjoy it. I was even a bit upset with the fact that I couldn't pull it off, but it didn't take me long to get over it. It gets difficult to perform when you yourself aren't liking it. Even doing a daily soap involves working for long, taxing hours. And I had been doing the show for two years, but that never bored me. My hosting stint got me bored. If I get an opportunity to host again, I will definitely give it a try, because I might get better at it and even start enjoying it.
I am rooting for Sanaya to win 'Jhalak...'
Vivian (Drashti's co-star from Madhubala) and Sanaya (Irani, Drashti's best friend), both have a huge fan following. My loyalties are with Sanaya. She is my closest friend and I am going to get everyone to vote for her. The competition is really tough because there are many strong dancers, who are professional and trained. I speak to Sanaya every single day. We are similar in many ways. We both get nervous but she tends to freak out more often. I keep calming her down and I am sure by the last week of the show, she will be the best.