The young breed of actors fears talking to the media Hritu Dudani

Hritu had her first brush with stardom when she shot the Pepsi ad with Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. Though she launched herself as a model she continued to study as she firmly believes that education is a must. With a degree tucked in her belt and probably stored for a rainy day Hritu signed on her first serial, Star Plus’ Chehra. A unique concept, the show is a good launch pad for a newbie. And as she awaits viewer reaction to her debut show Hritu got chatting with Tellychakkar on her journey from a commoner to a star. How did you bag the role? It was the normal process of audition and look test and the channel liked me. I must tell you that I used to audition for 6 to 7 shows everyday and finally Chehra happened. What kind of grooming did you go through for the role? I have done an acting workshop with the production house and practiced being on a wheel chair for a long time. With an entirely new cast the risk is always high. Were there any apprehensions? I agree that the star cast of the show is relatively new. But many of the actors have already made their mark. Gagan Malik for example is an already popular actor. But that’s the catch. But regardless of the fact whether you are new or a veteran, one has to work hard to achieve success. Also I think that content is the key factor. If the content is good and gripping it will ultimately make the show and its faces popular. And Chehra has a unique concept and I hope it picks up. What kind of response are you getting? People like my work and I am getting rave reviews for my acting. They just can’t believe that I could do so well in the show. People have loved the promos. I think the concept of the show is unique and novel. Before the show launched it went through several changes in time slots and title? Initially, when I was informed that the show will air at 7:30 PM I was upset. But then we started working towards it. But when the promos were received well the channel put it in the 10:30pm slot. The new timing was like hitting a jackpot and it motivated us all the more. This timeslot earlier aired the benchmark show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi which created history. So how did it feel to be in the same time? I can’t compare Chehra to the legendary Kyunki… One cannot deny the popularity and the record set by Kyunki… but Chehra is totally different. Both of them have different storylines and concepts. But having said that it does feel great to occupy the same time slot and we too dream to make history. It is one of most viewed time slots across the channels so it adds to your responsibility towards your show. Given an opportunity would you be a part of a saas-bahu show? I am of the opinion that these shows are not imaginary and illusive. Such things do happen in rich families. We do relate to such shows which justify their success and popularity. Though one cannot overlook the exaggerations like once your husband is dead he can’t return. I would love to be a part of such shows but they have to be real and not exaggerated. What are your other interests apart from acting? I love listening to music and spending time with my family. I am a very family- oriented girl. Also when I am free I love to be with my friends. How positive are you about the success of Chehra? I would be lying if I said that there were no apprehensions. I feared competition but I was positive. You will have to face the comparisons that people draw but one has to take criticism positively and work to curb all shortcomings. I was very positive about the show as it has a very interesting plot. I am sure the audiences will get hooked onto the show. But one can’t be hasty in passing any judgment on how the show has faired. You come to know where the show stands only after two months of airing. This is probably the first time that you see the protagonist is on a wheel-chair. How much do you relate to Bandini in the show? I am as bubbly and spunky as Bandini. Like her I too talk a lot. I too love my family over everything else in this world. But Bandini is a far stronger girl. She has overshadowed her handicap with her enthusiasm and love towards life. She is full of life. Despite the major ups and downs of life she has welcomed life with open arms. Tell us about your background? I am born and brought up in Mumbai. After completing my schooling and college I did my diploma in Electronic and Telecommunication. Then I did my Post Graduation in Marketing. How difficult was it for your family when you announced your desire to act? They have always supported me and are proud of me. But for me it was a big decision as I was getting into a completely new avenue. But then I realised that I can’t fit elsewhere. You have entered the industry quite late compared to other leads who debut at an early age of 17 or 18. Do you take it as a disadvantage? For me education is the priority. We all know that actors have a shelf life so it is essential to have something to fall back upon. Education never betrays you. I think the confidence that I have in me is majorly because of my education. I can converse with you confidently. The young breed fears talking to the media because they can’t converse and don’t know what to speak. How is your equation with your co-stars? Oh! It’s absolute fun on the sets. I play pranks on my co-actors and yes I also become the victim to their pranks. I keep cracking PJs on the sets and people are fed up of me. Jokes apart I get to learn a big deal from the veterans on the show. How has your life changed post Chehra? Till now I don’t feel like a star. People haven’t started recognizing me as yet. Yes, I have become popular in my building, my social circle and at my management college. It’s like I have become a part of Hall of Fame there.