dd interview

Telly land diva Drashti Dhami claims to have stumbled into showbiz by accident and says acting was never a career option for her.

After successful turns in 'Dil Mil Gaye', 'Geet - Hui Sabse Parayi' and 'Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon' that got her a strong fan-base, Drashti got hitched earlier this year to longtime boyfriend and businessman Neeraj Khimka. After a well-deserved 11 month-break she returns to daily soap grind with 'Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani'. Ahmedabad Times caught up with her during her recent promotional tour to the city. Excerpts from a chat:

Your trips to Gujarat are quite regular, how much do you enjoy them?

My trips here are mostly for events or promotional purposes. I've never been able to explore the city. Although this time since we shot the promo in Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara, we had a great time exploring the palace. I even got to meet the queen! Not only that, we also gorged on some great Gujarati thaali.

Was this long break from daily soaps intentional?

In a way yes, 'Madhubala...' ended in August last year and I thought of taking a break as I was occupied with my wedding preparations. Initially I had refused 'Ek Tha Raja', but then, the show's makers wanted to meet and talk about the project. Eventually, things worked out and I accepted the role. Though we'd started working on the show earlier as it was slotted to get aired from March, the channel and the makers thought of taking extra time for research to bring in more authenticity as it is set in pre-Independence India.

READ: When Drashti Dhami made headlines

How has life changed post marriage?

I don't feel any change! My in-laws have been very supportive. But now I have started spending more time with my family, husband and in-laws. So that's the only change. Though many people are pointing that I have put on weight post marriage I simply tell them that it's the marital glow!

Your best friend Sanaya Irani is the part of 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded'. Are you giving some tips to her as you won the show in 2013?

Sanaya and I speak everyday. We don't need a reason to call each other. She has been part of my birthdays, my wedding planning - in a nutshell - everything! Although she does call me from sets because she freaks out very easily.

So you always wanted to become an actor?

I started doing TVCs to earn pocket money. TV wasn't a career choice as I didn't have the patience to give 12 hours a day to a show. But now it is impossible for me to disassociate from TV shows. Although, someday I would love to be a part of a travel show.

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WATCH: Drashti Dhami: I am chilling and loving it right now