Royal Challenge

What has been your background in acting?
I haven’t done any course in acting. In my hometown Pune,I have acted in some plays and dabbled in theatre in college. This serial came to me,when I was doing my third year of graduation.

How did you bag this offer?
I auditioned for it. And it was after a strenuous three to four rounds that I got selected. The entire process took nearly four months,but I am happy it worked in my favour.

How did you prepare for this role?
I have been taking diction classes in Urdu and Hindi as well as continuing with my Kathak classes. Apart from this,I’ve been training in sword fighting and horse riding for the last six months. My life,of late,has been very hectic but fruitful.

Were you aware of the importance of Rani Padmini before you signed the serial?
I had studied about her in school and I knew she was a very courageous,yet simple woman. But playing her role is a different ball game. With every scene I do,I’m getting to know so much about her. Overall,I have realised that it was not easy to be Rani Padmini. She went through a lot of tribulations before she was immortalised in history books.

What is the toughest part of working in a serial based on history?
The most difficult part is wearing all the heavy jewellery and make-up and also the responsibility of taking care of it. The actor needs to look perfect at all times.

What are your further plans?
Right now,I am focused on this serial. But I would love to experiment with television and do a lot of contemporary serials too.