Me and Rani Sulakshana share in common is our belief in Fairy-Tales: J

Jayna Tida.. if I say this name no one knows but if I say Rani Sulakshana from Zee TV Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani then everyone will get to know about the beautiful upcoming diva of the television. The promising British Theatre actress is here to share with us about the debut show Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani and how the journey so far...

What made you choose Indian Television Industry as your debut platform?

I think it chose me to be honest...After starring in a west end musical and doing many commercials, television and movies was a medium I wanted to explore. The Role of Rani Sulakshana was intriguing and television seemed the best medium to portray it. I also feel television has a much wider audience.

Coming from A background of British Theatre is it very easy for you to cope up with Indian timings of acting?

I didn't notice much of change except that of from a live audience to camera, where you can obviously emote with your face more. Luckily the west end musical I starred in was a traditional Indian story, hence even though the dialogues were in English the Story and emotions were rooted in India. Also I am Indian by origin and have grown up watching Indian cinema hence I can completely relate to the acting in Indian movies and selective television shows. I guess the only challenge was the language as it's not my first language and I only learnt Hindi a few years ago and so I'm always very conscious of my diction especially as the role is that of a Queen and that too in a past era.

How did you bag the role in Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani?

I was approached by Sphere Origins to test for the role, I was given a brief of my character and I liked the idea of playing an Indian Princess and Queen and also that the concept of the show was a periodic drama set with the backdrop of a Royal Family in the 1940's. But I didn't think I would get the role but later just a few days before I was heading back to London, I was offered the role of Rajkumari/Rani Sulakshana. And naturally thought of it as gods will and accepted.

Your debut show? Arena is too big? Versatile actors all around you? Are you nervous acting before them?

Yes of course I am, but I'm also grateful to be sharing screen space with these actors. And I'm hoping to learn a lot from them. But the nervousness as an actor will always be there, but I'm focusing on enjoying the journey.

What homework did you do to become Rani Sulakshana?

Sulakshana is born a Rajkumari and marries to become a Rani and that to in the 1940's. So she was clearly not the girl next door. So I knew I required an obvious transformation from body language to the way she carried herself and spoke. I studied the Rani's of that Era: photographs and interviews, however one such lady I felt drawn to was Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. I'm currently reading the Memoirs of Maharani Gayatri Devi to get a feel of that era. But my character isn't based on the Maharani of Jaipur hence I'll also be adding my own touch to bring Rani Sulakshana alive.

How is working with Siddharth and Drashti?

Currently all my scenes have been shot with Siddhant and he's very charming and lovely to work with. He's aware it's my first Television show hence is extremely patient and supportive. Unfortunately I haven't worked with Drashti yet, but I've always admired her work.

Queen will carry an attitude around her and at the same time she should be a good warrior too? So did you learned any warrior challenges like horse riding or sword fighting for the show?

No not yet...however I have learnt horse riding in the past for a project. But yes I am hoping they will show that side of Rani Sulakshana soon...that would be very exciting for the audience as Queens don't just dress up and look pretty and walk around in their palaces all day in their expensive jewellery. There's a lot more to them and given the circumstance are able to defend themselves as they are trained in such arts from a young age.

You are an amazing dancer! So can we expect any ball room dance between Sulakshana and Ranaji very soon?

Yes you certainly can they are in the process of scripting that very soon. Although I've never done ball room dancing... so that is gonna be a new experience.

How similar Sulakshana and Jayna are?

I knew this one was coming... Mmmhhh similarities... I guess what we share in common is our belief in fairy tales. Rajkumari Sulakshana knew she would always marry a Prince one day, but she wanted to fall in love and not just marry for alliance. I believe in fairy tales and feel I'm living one at times... If you believe it, it happens is her theory and mine too. I think Rani Sulakshana like I am is very dreamy and makes most of her decisions from the heart. Rani Sulakshana is an Introvert, thinks before she speaks and is very well-mannered amongst the crowd but she has a wild streak and that's a trait we both have in common. Rani Sulakshana studied in a London University as did I. She is Educated and has firm beliefs and is opinionated but chooses not to engage in showcasing her opinions publically and give rise to egoistic debates unless required, which is something I do too. And lastly she is extremely attached and dependent on certain people as a rajkumari her father and later Ranaji. I'm extremely attached to and dependent on my mother.

What more stored for the fans in the past of Ranaji?Fans accepted Sulakshana and Ranaji pair too? So what you're feeling regarding it?

Really glad that people have liked Sulakshana and Ranaji together, by the little glimpse that has been seen of them. However this is just the beginning and there's a beautiful love story yet to witness.

Message for fans

I'm overwhelmed by the love and support even before she's introduced, I'm now really excited for you all to meet Rani Sulakshana very soon...