Tell us about your role in Dil Ki Nazar Se…Khoobsurat?
I'm playing Aradhya, a college girl in love with RJ Ehsaas whom she has never seen or met. What attracts her to Ehsaas is the fact that he sounds good over the radio and helps her and others through his show.
Aradhya believes that life is beautiful and everything in life will turn out for the better — that there is no evil in this world. She believes that life is too short to take stress. Her parents have shielded her from harsh realities and brought her up like a princess.
How did you bag the role?
There is an interesting story behind that. When the auditions were taking place for Dil Ki Nazar Se… I was not convinced of the role I was auditioning for. I felt that something was amiss in the character. But I went with the flow. I gave the audition and walked out. I forgot about it till I got a call from the show's director after a couple of months. He asked me to meet him. Since I was hesitant to do the role, I went with a negative mindset. But after reading the script, I concluded that the role fit the bill for me. I found an instant connection with the character.
Is it true that it is based on the fairytale The Beauty and the Beast?
Some people say so but others feel it's based on the movie Saajan. For me, the show has an entirely different concept and theme. Each day is new for the cast and the crew. We have to create something unique on a daily basis. Yes, the serial is a love story and we can tell it again and again with a different story every time.
How was your experience working with Abhishek Malik and Rohit Khuranak, your co-stars?
We have not shot many episodes but I fight with Abhishek like Tom and Jerry. As for Rohit, he is a good actor. I like his work in Uttaran. When he is before the camera, I observe him very keenly.
The entire team is giving its best to make this show connect with the audience. And it is a challenge for us. Big budget shows like Saraswati Chandra are going on air and then there are shows like Savitri and Satyavan which have brilliant graphics. It will be a challenge for Dil Ki Nazar Se… to stand out.
After gaining popularity in Navya... Nayee Dhadkan Naye Sawaal as Navya will you be able to spread the same charm as Aradhya?
I hope Aradhya will be loved more than Navya. Playing Navya will always be special to me because it was my first role. I learnt all the acting skills through this show. Navya… was the turning point in my life. From a nobody, I became a successful actor.
Ragini Khanna (Suhana in Sasural Genda Phool) is your cousin. Has the connection helped get you an entry on the small screen?
Ragini didi didn't even know I was doing a television show until the promotionals were out. I am where I am due to sheer hard work.
However, I can't say that she has not helped me. She is the one who taught me how to face the camera and handle my celebrity status.
