TOI: Love being madly busy-Ragz

Prime time diva Ragini Khanna on the professional relationship with actor Jay Soniand more

Chirpy, vivacious and talented. Meet telly-land's favourite bahu Suhana aka Ragini Khanna. Also a graceful dancer who enjoys the sobriquet of "beauty with brains" on the small screen. Her current show apart, Ragini left the tellyviewer spellbound as she unleashed her singing talent in the reality show Star Ya Rockstar. The actor was in town recently for a promotional do. Excerpts from the interview:

Your debut film Teen Thay Bhai didn't do well at the BO, though your performance got a thumbs up from critics. lI thoroughly enjoyed my role in the film. Many a time, even if a film does well, actors don't get their due credit/appreciation. Although, my film didn't work well, for me the silver lining was the appreciation that my acting skills got me. (Smiles)

Do you think film industry has opened its doors for television actors with good roles in offer? It is talent that shines. Bollywood directors and producers do spot good talent from the small, screen. But I feel, even now there's a huge gap that needs to be bridged between television and movies. It is still a long way to go for TV actors to bag promising roles where they can prove their mettle.

Sasural Genda Phool has been your longest running show. How does that feel? It feels awesome that audience love the show so much. They're so attached to the happenings. They relate to the highs and lows of the character Suhana's life. Suhana has become my new identity.

Your chemistry with Jay Soni... We share a lovely professional rapport. When we bond as buddies on the sets, people think we're almost inseparable. But our fights are as intense as our friendship on the sets. We share a strange rapport which keeps people in go into the loop who keep guessing whether we are Friends or enemies.

How was the experience of working in Star Ya Rockstar? It was a crazy experience. I enjoyed it so much and yes, it surely has made me evolve more as human being. Sachinji (Pilgaonkar) was someone to look up at - he was the most experienced actor and is a fun loving person. There was so much I could learn from him.

So you've won hearts of your fans with acting, dancing (in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4), singing - what's next on the list? Even I would like to explore something new within. Let me surprise myself as well as my fans with the 'next' thing.

Which has been the most touching experience or some memorable moment with fans? l Most of my fans compliment me that I've a gorgeous smile. The most memorable one was joining the birthday celebrations of a differently abled child at his school. He requested through my mother for my presence on his that day. I was so touched to know that he enjoys watching my show and when he addressed me as 'Suhana didi'!

What keeps you going despite a busy schedule? l It's my love for acting that works for me. I remember the mad rush at one point when I was juggling my daily soap, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Teen Thay Bhai. But I could manage it because I love being madly busy in work.

What defines you? (Laughs) I think I'm indefinable!