Ridheema wanted to be a journalist

It's rare to get some time off when you are a part of the television industry.

So, it's like a welcome relief when an opportunity presents itself and you must make the most of it. That's how it is at the moment for talented actress Ridheema Tiwari, who has been well appreciated for her role of Mehek in Annu Ki Ho Gayee Waah Bhai Waa h and for her cameo in Simply Sapne .

Says this young beauty, "At the moment, it's just Annu Ki...that's keeping me busy. I have been meeting a few people but haven't said yes to any other project so far. I am a bit careful this time as two projects of mine didn't work out. So, I have a bit of free time now, which I am enjoying a lot. If you are working for five serials at a time, things can get difficult as you may find it difficult to keep yourself apart from the roles you play."

Ridheema, who happens to be a literature graduate, had always wanted to become a journalist but destiny had other plans in store.

She informs, "When you are young, people tend to tell you how difficult it is to get a job and stuff like that. My parents also stressed on the need to become independent. I was trying to get into Mass Communication, but then got this banking job coincidentally and took it up. But I hated the experience! I have always been a creative person but never thought that I would get into acting some day. It was never planned. But I had to work really hard."

So how is she in her off-screen avatar? "I am a very talkative person and always like to do constructive things. I also love to read. In my free time, I love to scribble down nice thoughts or recall lyrics of old Hindi songs. It gives me great joy. I also pen down my thoughts and write poems, but that's something very personal. I believe that people have all the right to ask anything about my professional life, but I am not comfortable talking about my personal life," she firmly says.

Ridheema happens to be a trained Bharathnatyam dancer and tells us excitedly, "You know what, I learnt it in Gujarat, in this small place called Atul! I also have basic training in classical singing and would love to be a part of a dance or music reality show. After all, it gives you the identity you require; as you become famous not as the character you play in a soap, but as yourself!" Is she game for films?

"Of course! If I get a good offer, then I will just grab it and put all my heart and soul into it. Given a choice, I would love to play a very simple, yet challenging role because I have only played very glamourous roles so far," she signs off.