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Rajashree Thakur
TV actress
"I am dark skinned but was never ridiculed for it. But I am aware that in India people still prefer a fair-skinned bride. The trend has somewhat changed in the Metros."
Smita > Hi Saloni di, you are doing a great job as 'Saloni' in Saat Phere (SP). I do not miss a single episode of the serial. How did you get your first modelling offer? What's your height and birthday?
Rajashree Thakur > Actually, I never wanted to do modelling. But, when I was participating in inter-collegiate theatre, I was told by a friend to make my portfolio. So, another friend made my portfolio, gave it to a coordinator and received audition for Bajaj Almond hair oil ad and was selected. That's how I did my first commercial. It was a-year-and-a half ago. I am 5 ft. 5inches tall and my birthday is on 22nd Sept.
Chotu > Rajashree didi, welcome to the chat. You are so beautiful then why did you choose this role where you are shown average looking?
Rajashree Thakur > Saloni is not really ugly. She's just dark. So, people think she's ugly. The problem lies with her dark skin because some people think dark skin is not beautiful. She's talented, and in my eyes she's very beautiful.
Kali > Hi Rajashree, really curious to know what's your actual skin colour. You look lovely on screen. But are you really dark? Not that it matters but I was just wondering...
Rajashree Thakur > I am dusky, and do not have a fair skin. Only, on the screen they have made me look one more shade darker because that's what the role demands.
Sudip > Have you done modelling or ad films before serial?
Rajashree Thakur > Yes, I was into modelling before. This is my first serial. I was studying LLB and started doing modelling. I have also done my first press ad for Tanishq Jewellry. I have done Jewellry ads mostly. I also did the 'India Shining' ad (of BJP) before the 2004 elections.
Skinny > You recently got engaged. When are you getting married?
Rajashree Thakur > Will get married in 2006. But have not fixed a date yet. My fianc is a businessman.
Jigs > Do you truly believe that in India... guys look for a fair bride, as it's shown on your current serial Saat Phere ?
Rajashree Thakur > Ads in matrimonial columns still ask for this. It has not stopped completely. But, in metros the trend is changing. In modelling and commercials people prefer to cast dark skinned models. In the rural areas, fair skin sir still preferred.
Chotu > Didi, Aap Kya Lawyer Banna Chahte The Pehle (did you aspire to be a lawyer)? I mean,why did you choose movies over Law? When did you finish your LLB?
Rajashree Thakur > I finished LLB in 2004. I was doing theatre during my graduation (B.Com) but I wanted a stable field too. I also used to work at the All India Radio as a Newsreader. So, it was a casual job. Law I did as a back up because the acting field may not have provided me with stable job. But, I also did an Indo-French film. I didn't want to leave acting. I liked studying also. But, in my mind, I never wanted to be a Lawyer. I studied Law at the Government Law College, in Mumbai.
Megha > You always wanted to do films then what made you choose TV as your debut in acting? I am just assuming that this is your debut in acting. Is it really?
Rajashree Thakur > Yes, it is. I did an Indo-French film earlier so I started with a film. I didn't want to do daily soap because I was not really interested in the daily soaps that were being shown on TV. I didn't even want to go for the Saat Phere audition. But still, I went for it, and when I heard my role and the story, I realised that though it was a daily soap, it wasn't the usual saas-bahu role/narration. I didn't have to put loads of make up. I like minimum make up too. Even in my Indo-French film I had donned no make up. And I find portraying certain characters. So, without much struggle, I got a lead role on TV. And a role that I liked.
Prerna > Hi Rajashree di, how do you feel working in SP? You are so good looking. If you don't mind, can you please give me your email id?
Rajashree Thakur > Thanks. I love working in Saat Phere . My email id is rajashreethakur@yahoo.com
Smita > Rajashree, tell me about your family and your fianc's family as well as what's his name.
Rajashree Thakur > My family consists of mom, dad, brother and sis-in- law. I am the youngest. We are 5 sisters. I have a nephew (brother's son) who I love the most. My fianc is also from Mumbai. It's a love cum arranged marriage. We were together in college and knew each other. It was just a friendship then. We were a part of a big group consisting of all my theater friends and we would hang around together. When he proposed to me, I readily agreed. So, I told my dad about it and as the family knows him, everyone agreed to our match. My future mom-in-law is a very good cook. My fiance loves chatting. And he is a very good actor too. But, he didn't take up acting professionally. He has worked with late Bhakti Barve in plays. His name is Sanjot. And he is a Maharashtrian like me.
Sallu > Are you really on your way to becoming the sultry siren of TV? People think you are quite sexy...
Rajashree Thakur > (Laughter). Thank you. I take it as a compliment. But, I really want to do good work.
Nari > Now that you are playing a dark-skinned girl who is rejected by prospective bride grooms because of her skin colour, do you feel or understand the pain of girls who have to go through this?
Rajashree Thakur > Of course, I do. It has not happened with me. But I have seen a friend go through such a humiliation because of her dark skin colour. She's very educated but dusky. And a prospective groom rejected her. He was from a village and was not educated either. Being a Mumbai girl and very well educated, she didn't want to marry him. But, she was being pressurised to agree for a marriage with him. Fortunately, he didn't agree so the matter ended there. I think an actor should understand the feelings of her character. She should get under the skin of the character to be able to portray it well.
Chotu1 > Didi, in real life, will you marry someone who is dark?
Rajashree Thakur > I don't mind. Dark skin is not a criterion for me. He should be smart. Should have a good personality. Look at Abhishek Bachchan! Isn't he smart? I really don't understand the fair skin ad for men!!!!
Jk123 > Rajashree, what is DoB? You look more like a Capricorn. Does your nature match your character, in the serial Saat Phere ?
Rajashree Thakur > I am a cusp of Libran and Virgo. My birthday is on 22 Sept. My nature is more like Libran -balanced. And I think a lot before taking a decision. Such is my nature. I think Saloni's character too is like this. So, this might be the similarity in out character. I think Librans too are very creative. Saloni is very talented. She is a good dancer and a singer.
Kali > I am really confused as to what's Saat Phere about. Is it about a dark skin girl who cannot get married or is it about the journey of a girl who discovers herself? The promos have all been about how the girl is rejected by grooms for marriage. But the serial director says something else in his online interviews. Please explain.
Rajashree Thakur > Saloni's story starts with this. Because of her dark skin she gets rejected. Her journey begins from there. And then moves on to how she goes through the trauma. Then, at one place she declares she wouldn't marry. She discovers her self-respect. It's a self-discovery. Marriage is not the only purpose in her life.
Prerna > Does your family like you working in Saat Phere ? Are you really a singer? Do you like music? Which is your favourite song?
Rajashree Thakur > Yes, they like it. Initially, in my theatre days they did not like me coming home late because it used to take up my time and I was studying then. But now, after the ads and this serial, they are quite happy to see me onscreen. No, I am not a singer. But I love music. I have music stored on my cell phone, and in my room I have a radio, which is always on when I am in my room. I love listening to music. I have many favourite songs. The best I like is - Na Jaane Kyun from the film Chotti Si Baat.
Moja > Were you ever refereed to as ugly duckling when you were growing up?
Rajashree Thakur > Never. I used to get a lot of compliments. I have a good looking hair and people liked my hair. In fact, a friend used to call me Zeenat Aman. I had very silky and shiny hair. So, I think it was because of that.
Braveman > Saloniji, your acting is superb!
Rajashree Thakur > Thank you very much!
Chotu1 > Didi, who do you look up to when it comes to acting?
Rajashree Thakur > There are lots of good actors on Indian TV and in in the Indian cinema. I liked Nutan, Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi. They all had talents. And I liked to pick up positive side of each one of them. I liked Waheeda Rehman's style and Rekha looked very glamorous. But there is no one particular who I can think of. I liked Madhuri for her dance-- liked her expressions. They all had or have something unique in their style and I observed and learned from them.
Sign Off Message > Thank you all for your encouragement. I am very happy that you watch Saat Phere and I like your response. Please keep encouraging me. Your response matters to all the actors. A very happy new year to all of you!
TV actress
"I am dark skinned but was never ridiculed for it. But I am aware that in India people still prefer a fair-skinned bride. The trend has somewhat changed in the Metros."
Smita > Hi Saloni di, you are doing a great job as 'Saloni' in Saat Phere (SP). I do not miss a single episode of the serial. How did you get your first modelling offer? What's your height and birthday?
Rajashree Thakur > Actually, I never wanted to do modelling. But, when I was participating in inter-collegiate theatre, I was told by a friend to make my portfolio. So, another friend made my portfolio, gave it to a coordinator and received audition for Bajaj Almond hair oil ad and was selected. That's how I did my first commercial. It was a-year-and-a half ago. I am 5 ft. 5inches tall and my birthday is on 22nd Sept.
Chotu > Rajashree didi, welcome to the chat. You are so beautiful then why did you choose this role where you are shown average looking?
Rajashree Thakur > Saloni is not really ugly. She's just dark. So, people think she's ugly. The problem lies with her dark skin because some people think dark skin is not beautiful. She's talented, and in my eyes she's very beautiful.
Kali > Hi Rajashree, really curious to know what's your actual skin colour. You look lovely on screen. But are you really dark? Not that it matters but I was just wondering...
Rajashree Thakur > I am dusky, and do not have a fair skin. Only, on the screen they have made me look one more shade darker because that's what the role demands.
Sudip > Have you done modelling or ad films before serial?
Rajashree Thakur > Yes, I was into modelling before. This is my first serial. I was studying LLB and started doing modelling. I have also done my first press ad for Tanishq Jewellry. I have done Jewellry ads mostly. I also did the 'India Shining' ad (of BJP) before the 2004 elections.
Skinny > You recently got engaged. When are you getting married?
Rajashree Thakur > Will get married in 2006. But have not fixed a date yet. My fianc is a businessman.
Jigs > Do you truly believe that in India... guys look for a fair bride, as it's shown on your current serial Saat Phere ?
Rajashree Thakur > Ads in matrimonial columns still ask for this. It has not stopped completely. But, in metros the trend is changing. In modelling and commercials people prefer to cast dark skinned models. In the rural areas, fair skin sir still preferred.
Chotu > Didi, Aap Kya Lawyer Banna Chahte The Pehle (did you aspire to be a lawyer)? I mean,why did you choose movies over Law? When did you finish your LLB?
Rajashree Thakur > I finished LLB in 2004. I was doing theatre during my graduation (B.Com) but I wanted a stable field too. I also used to work at the All India Radio as a Newsreader. So, it was a casual job. Law I did as a back up because the acting field may not have provided me with stable job. But, I also did an Indo-French film. I didn't want to leave acting. I liked studying also. But, in my mind, I never wanted to be a Lawyer. I studied Law at the Government Law College, in Mumbai.
Megha > You always wanted to do films then what made you choose TV as your debut in acting? I am just assuming that this is your debut in acting. Is it really?
Rajashree Thakur > Yes, it is. I did an Indo-French film earlier so I started with a film. I didn't want to do daily soap because I was not really interested in the daily soaps that were being shown on TV. I didn't even want to go for the Saat Phere audition. But still, I went for it, and when I heard my role and the story, I realised that though it was a daily soap, it wasn't the usual saas-bahu role/narration. I didn't have to put loads of make up. I like minimum make up too. Even in my Indo-French film I had donned no make up. And I find portraying certain characters. So, without much struggle, I got a lead role on TV. And a role that I liked.
Prerna > Hi Rajashree di, how do you feel working in SP? You are so good looking. If you don't mind, can you please give me your email id?
Rajashree Thakur > Thanks. I love working in Saat Phere . My email id is rajashreethakur@yahoo.com
Smita > Rajashree, tell me about your family and your fianc's family as well as what's his name.
Rajashree Thakur > My family consists of mom, dad, brother and sis-in- law. I am the youngest. We are 5 sisters. I have a nephew (brother's son) who I love the most. My fianc is also from Mumbai. It's a love cum arranged marriage. We were together in college and knew each other. It was just a friendship then. We were a part of a big group consisting of all my theater friends and we would hang around together. When he proposed to me, I readily agreed. So, I told my dad about it and as the family knows him, everyone agreed to our match. My future mom-in-law is a very good cook. My fiance loves chatting. And he is a very good actor too. But, he didn't take up acting professionally. He has worked with late Bhakti Barve in plays. His name is Sanjot. And he is a Maharashtrian like me.
Sallu > Are you really on your way to becoming the sultry siren of TV? People think you are quite sexy...
Rajashree Thakur > (Laughter). Thank you. I take it as a compliment. But, I really want to do good work.
Nari > Now that you are playing a dark-skinned girl who is rejected by prospective bride grooms because of her skin colour, do you feel or understand the pain of girls who have to go through this?
Rajashree Thakur > Of course, I do. It has not happened with me. But I have seen a friend go through such a humiliation because of her dark skin colour. She's very educated but dusky. And a prospective groom rejected her. He was from a village and was not educated either. Being a Mumbai girl and very well educated, she didn't want to marry him. But, she was being pressurised to agree for a marriage with him. Fortunately, he didn't agree so the matter ended there. I think an actor should understand the feelings of her character. She should get under the skin of the character to be able to portray it well.
Chotu1 > Didi, in real life, will you marry someone who is dark?
Rajashree Thakur > I don't mind. Dark skin is not a criterion for me. He should be smart. Should have a good personality. Look at Abhishek Bachchan! Isn't he smart? I really don't understand the fair skin ad for men!!!!
Jk123 > Rajashree, what is DoB? You look more like a Capricorn. Does your nature match your character, in the serial Saat Phere ?
Rajashree Thakur > I am a cusp of Libran and Virgo. My birthday is on 22 Sept. My nature is more like Libran -balanced. And I think a lot before taking a decision. Such is my nature. I think Saloni's character too is like this. So, this might be the similarity in out character. I think Librans too are very creative. Saloni is very talented. She is a good dancer and a singer.
Kali > I am really confused as to what's Saat Phere about. Is it about a dark skin girl who cannot get married or is it about the journey of a girl who discovers herself? The promos have all been about how the girl is rejected by grooms for marriage. But the serial director says something else in his online interviews. Please explain.
Rajashree Thakur > Saloni's story starts with this. Because of her dark skin she gets rejected. Her journey begins from there. And then moves on to how she goes through the trauma. Then, at one place she declares she wouldn't marry. She discovers her self-respect. It's a self-discovery. Marriage is not the only purpose in her life.
Prerna > Does your family like you working in Saat Phere ? Are you really a singer? Do you like music? Which is your favourite song?
Rajashree Thakur > Yes, they like it. Initially, in my theatre days they did not like me coming home late because it used to take up my time and I was studying then. But now, after the ads and this serial, they are quite happy to see me onscreen. No, I am not a singer. But I love music. I have music stored on my cell phone, and in my room I have a radio, which is always on when I am in my room. I love listening to music. I have many favourite songs. The best I like is - Na Jaane Kyun from the film Chotti Si Baat.
Moja > Were you ever refereed to as ugly duckling when you were growing up?
Rajashree Thakur > Never. I used to get a lot of compliments. I have a good looking hair and people liked my hair. In fact, a friend used to call me Zeenat Aman. I had very silky and shiny hair. So, I think it was because of that.
Braveman > Saloniji, your acting is superb!
Rajashree Thakur > Thank you very much!
Chotu1 > Didi, who do you look up to when it comes to acting?
Rajashree Thakur > There are lots of good actors on Indian TV and in in the Indian cinema. I liked Nutan, Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi. They all had talents. And I liked to pick up positive side of each one of them. I liked Waheeda Rehman's style and Rekha looked very glamorous. But there is no one particular who I can think of. I liked Madhuri for her dance-- liked her expressions. They all had or have something unique in their style and I observed and learned from them.
Sign Off Message > Thank you all for your encouragement. I am very happy that you watch Saat Phere and I like your response. Please keep encouraging me. Your response matters to all the actors. A very happy new year to all of you!
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