Rati Pandey is the perfect example of ‘beauty with brains’. Not only is she good looking, but also possesses immense acting prowess and can get into the skin of any given character with great aplomb. 

Her body of work starting from Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai, Miley Jab Hum Tum, Hitler Didi and Begusarai are clear indications to her versatility. 

In an in-depth exclusive conversation with Tellychakkar.com, Rati talks about her 11 years journey in the industry, her highs and lows, her thought process over the recent TV trends, her affair with link-ups and controversies.

Excerpts:

Fans want to see you back on screen…

Well, yes, hopefully soon!! I have just gotten back after celebrating Diwali with family back in Patna. So I am all rejuvenated to look for my next project. 

What has been keeping you busy post your stint in Begusaraai?

I have been resting, exploring and taking care of myself. I have been nourishing myself with the best of food. At the same time, I have been working out and have become a gym freak. I have a trainer who takes care of my fitness level. I have also traveled a lot. 

Now that you are working out, are you on a diet regime too?

By nature, I cannot stop myself from eating (smiles). Recently, when I was at home for Diwali, I just did not stop eating. During the festive ambience, I just could not resist eating mom’s delicacies. Now that I am back in Mumbai, I see to it that I binge a lot once a week. My food pattern actually depends on what I am doing. When I am working, I eat food in small proportions and work out. But when I am not working, I eat a lot. 

You have had a very good journey as an actor so far. How do you think your career graph has shaped up?

My career graph has been tremendously nice, and I have had lot of experience. It’s been 11 years and it’s been rocking. I have seen the so-called struggling days and also the golden peak of my life and have also seen the calm life without work, wherein I got to enjoy my real life. During this phase, I got to do all that I wanted to do, but never got time to do. So everything has been a good learning experience for me. 

What do you think are the essential attributes to possess for an actor?

An actor needs to be very patient and have strong will power to survive in this industry. Also the peace of mind is absolutely important. I guess having a good family support or someone who is there with you during your low phase will really help an actor. Whenver I have had bad phases in my life, I have always looked up to my parents and they have been there for me. I am saying this because it is so very easy for an actor to get into depression and usage of drugs when they face lack of job opportunities. Fortunately, I am not amongst them and this is due to the strong family backup that I have. 

Do you consider yourself a workaholic?       

Not, if I was a workaholic, I would have been seen in every single episodic story. I simply love my work and take it up as a passion. That is why I always wait to look for the right opportunity and pursue it when I get it. I launch myself all over again every time I am on screen. Whenever I pick up a new show, I get a feeling that I am still raw. This is the reason why I still maintain freshness as an actor. And I believe being fresh is very important for an actor. 

Of course, even after working for 11 years, you have not over-exposed yourself…       

Certainly. I feel lucky in this aspect. I am a blessed child and this is how I carry myself. As I said, I am not a workaholic, and work is worship for me. I am very choosy about my work. I always want to create a mystery amongst my well-wishers and fans. I deliberately keep away from the limelight as I want people to wait for me. I love the craving that my fans have to see me on screen. I also love seeing the delight on my fans’ faces when I am finally on screen. In simple words, I like to be seen in installments and this is my trait of work. 

What’s the genre of work you are looking at now?

Frankly speaking, from the last two years, I have not got good offers. But it now looks as though things have changed for the better. I am getting positive vibes that I will be back by next year. I have to come back now. And when you get the feel to come back, you will definitely get back. So I hope to be back with a bang.

I am open to any kind of genre. In fact, I appreciate the fact that many feel that I can fit into any kind of role. As for me, I try to get into the skin of the character, and if I do that, it is indeed an achievement. 

What do you have to say about the recent trends seen on TV wherein the supernaturals have been overpowering the humane shows?

See, this is just another phase. And being an actor, I cannot comment on it. I believe in performing with conviction. An actor needs to perform any given role be it a tree, stone or the naagin or daayan. If such a role is offered to me, I will play it with conviction. 

But yes, I am astonished at the acceptance of screenplay of such shows by the audience. It is not the fault of actors at all. If such shows are rating well, then I believe that viewers are being entertained. So for the actors, this is a golden period to enjoy. I wish all of them all the very best. 

Very recently, there was the show Bade Achhe Lagte Hain that topped the ratings chart. It was a brilliantly made realistic show. And now to see shows which are completely based on fantasy doing well is beyond my understanding. But again, as actors, we are doing our jobs. 

What is your take on finite series?

Finite series has the momentum right now. Such shows are really commendable for the fact that the genre is being preferred a lot. Everyone knows the start and the end point and it makes it easier for all to work. Also, there is nothing unsure about the whole project as you are made aware of everything. And finite series is one genre that does not get affected by TRPs. I will favour finite series over the daily soaps as there is a secure factor going. Having said this I have nothing against the other genres or shows. 

What about reality shows?

Yes, I will love to do reality shows too. A singing reality will be the best for me. In fact, I never say no to any kind of work. 

What adequate measures would you want to take as an actor to keep yourself secure in this line?

It’s very true that there is a huge pressure of insecurity lingering on actors. As for me, I have been here for 11 years now, and have seen it all. I have had my highs and lows, and am mentally prepared for anything and everything. This is a very unpredictable line and anything is possible. I am not worried about myself, as I feel I have it in me to adapt to situations with experience. But I am worried about the new faces who have come into the line of acting with great aspirations. When they get their first success, they tend to get carried away by showbiz, and want all the luxuries possible like car, house and then get buried in the EMIs. Sustenance is a big problem and if they go wrong in their ways of spending, they are into a huge mess. I want to tell the newcomers to not make hasty decisions. Also for the ones who have the experience but are not getting work, I will tell them to work on their negatives and wait for the right time.  

You said you have had your lows. So tell us about that...

That’s actually not low phase, but a phase wherein I have been upset that I am not getting the roles I have wanted. I am a performer and not an actor. So my urge to all is that if they have chosen me for a role, then they have to use me. I want them to take out the performance from me. I want more opportunities to come my way where I can prove my mettle. To tell you, I have got really good shows in the past, but for the last two years, there has been nothing much to talk about. Probably one reason for not being approached is because I do not socialize much. But I am waiting for the right time. I will soon be back. 

Getting personal, tell us about your linkup with Anas Rashid…   

No personal questions please. I have never said that I have been in a relationship with anyone. So I will not want to address this. 

Do you have wedding on mind now?

I want to definitely get married. My father and mother have been eagerly waiting for the moment to see a guy in my life. So this is an open invitation to all right here that I am available for marriage (laughs). 

So are you still single?      

I have always been single. I have never said that I have been mingling around. 

But you have had your heavy share of controversies and link-ups. What do you want to say about it?

I have become immune to controversies now. For the first time when I was linked up with someone, I cracked up and started laughing. I remember that I asked someone who was shooting with me about this weird dealing in the industry. The person had told me, that this is just the beginning and you will see it happening every year now (laughs). And that’s exactly what happened. I got linked up with every other co-actor I worked with. Whoever talks and writes all such nonsense cannot be controlled. Now, I have become immune to it. I don’t react, and this is my reaction. People who know me well know what I am. I am not answerable to anyone else. My parents are fine with what I am. And I believe that when the right day comes, I will also get married. 

Three cheers, Rati!!