Indiatimes Chat:Aditi of Saath Phere

Transcript of LIVE INDIATIMES CHAT with Aditi Pratap at 12 noon (IST) on Friday, June 2, 2006 in Mumbai

"Ever since I was 8 years old I was completely fascinated by Rekha in the film Umrao Jaan."

Aditi Pratap
TV actress

Hiphop> What was special about your character in 'Twinkle Beauty Parlour' which prompted you to accept the role.
Aditi Pratap> I accepted the role for personal reasons as Srishti Arya the producer of the serial is a good friend and I have worked with her production house before. I was glad to accept the offer from them again. Moreover I was very excited to play the role of a small town simple girl.

Hiphop> Any plans to do a Bollywood flick in the near future?
Aditi Pratap> I did a cameo in Banaras which released in April and I would be very happy to work in more films depending on the kind of offers that come my way.

Darpan> How did you feel when you were facing the camera for the first time? Do you still have butterflies in your stomach while shooting?
Aditi Pratap> The first time I faced the camera I definitely had butterflies in my stomach. I froze and my throat dried up. Subsequently I got more comfortable and realized that I really love being in front of the camera. It does sounds clich but I come alive when ever I face the camera. And that time is my happiest and most fulfilling time.

Joop> If could become the PM of India, which is the first thing which you would have tackled?
Aditi Pratap> The excessive and uncontrolled development that's happening in cities today specially Mumbai. We need to step up our infrastructure and facilities, like water and electricity or else we will be living in a hellish country very soon.

Darpan> Tell us about the off screen Aditi, your education, your place of birth, your hobbies and any other special interest?
Aditi Pratap> Off screen I am very happy person, slightly shy and extremely sensitive. I love having people around me. My friends are my family since I live alone in Mumbai. I was born in Pune but grew up in Bangalore. Went to college in Delhi and completed B com honors after which I took 3 months break to come to Mumbai to do some modeling. My break became my career and I absolutely love it. I love traveling i.e. why I am waiting to have enough money so I can take a year long vacation and see the world. I am a complete movie buff and I love good food. I am completely in to yoga and spirituality.

Deep> You seem pretty intelligent. Why did you took up acting as a career, why not journalism or law?
Aditi Pratap> As a child I wanted to be a criminal lawyer then a corporate person and I was studying for my GRE to go abroad and do a course in communications when acting happened to me and quite honestly ever since I was 8 years old I was completely fascinated by Rekha in the film Umrao Jaan . And since then I nurtured the genes to be like her one day and so here I am following my dream.

Hilton> Tell us one good and one bad habit which you have?
Aditi Pratap> My worst weakness is my short temper and my habit of postponing things off till it becomes a complete emergency. I hate that about myself. And one good habit is my punctuality and in my profession it's a boon.

Deep> You are very beautiful, are seeing someone. If you don't want to tell the name at least you can reply in yes or no.
Aditi Pratap> Thank you, that's really sweet. At the moment I am not seeing anyone but there are lots of special people in my life and when I finally decide to loose my single status I will let you know the name(smiles).

Hilton> Whom would you like to go on a dream date with and why?
Aditi Pratap> Quite honestly I can't think of any one because I am not too fascinated by celebrities but if I meet someone special I would love to spend that time and date with him.

Deep> When is your birthday and how did you got into spirituality
Aditi Pratap> My birthday falls on 20th September. I was first introduced to Buddhism by my friend in Delhi when I was 19 years old. Subsequently I read up a lot on several philosophies and also tried my hand at practices like hypnotherapy, karmic healing, aura cleansing to enable me to evolve as a more positive and good human being.

Sign off Message> Thanks for chatting with me. It was lovely answering your questions. Take care and stay happy. Love Aditi Pratap.