Ekta Kaul is elegance personified, as the adorable lead Riya in Star Plus’ Mere Angne Mein. The girl has gone through a broken relationship in real life, and has successfully moved out of it, only to aim for bigger things in life. 

Her debut portrayal as the innocent Sahiba in Rab Se Sohna Ishq won many hearts, and now the talented girl aspires to work harder towards her goal of gaining more recognition.

In an exclusive conversation with Tellychakkar.com, Ekta talks about her plans for the future, and also gives valuable tips to working out a good lifestyle... 

How are you enjoying your Mere Angne Mein journey?

I love my journey in Mere Angne Mein. I get to experiment with a lot of things and that is really helping me grow as an actor. Most importantly, I am working with the best of actors; they support me and help me learn quite a lot.

How do you think the show has performed, given the fact that it has been reduced to half an hour recently?

The show is doing superb; the response that we get is overwhelming. The best part is that every character has got recognition. Every single actor is loved. Reducing it to half an hour has helped us in a way, as we are able to deliver better and give quality entertainment to our fans. I have to say that though the time has reduced, the entertainment factor is still the same. In fact it has increased now. 

You have a huge ensemble cast. What do you think are the pros and cons of working in such an ambiance?

I am blessed as I have got to work with such an amazing cast. Everyone is so experienced; they are gold mines and I am trying to loot them (smiles). I guess you always gain in such an experienced company. 

As an actor, what kind of a genre do you prefer the most?

I would want to experiment and do all the genres as that would help me grow and evolve as an actor. I have done romance and desi drama and a bit of comedy. Now I would want to do some action oriented work. Yes, the eagerness is to do some kick ass action now.

Being away from home and family, what keeps you going in the busy lifestyle of Mumbai?

The worst part of staying in Mumbai is staying away from family. So I just keep myself busy. Currently I am learning martial arts and piano. So I devote my time post my show’s shoot to learning. Also I make it a point to go home and visit family once a month. 

We have recently gone through the death of Pratyusha Banerjee. As a woman and colleague from the same industry, how do you think one should handle stress and a bad personal life?

Everyone has to handle their stress on their own, and it is perfectly fine to be sad. When I see a gloomy phase, I immediately accept that there is something wrong and then try working on it. It’s unfortunate that most of us don't want to accept this emotion called sadness, or even if they accept they make it a big affair..Come on, it is like any other emotion, and it is okay to be sad. It’s okay to break up and move on; it’s okay to talk about it and take it out.. We must remember that the sorrow is temporary, and it is important to deal with it and get stronger.

Talking about you, you have also gone through a bad phase in your love life, with a lot being written about your ex partner, Kanan Malhotra. How did you handle that low phase? Take us through the tough moments?

Kanan was my past and I accept my past with dignity and respect. I have no grudges about it. I learnt my lesson and I am happy with what I have right now. I don’t like digging old graves and talking about it when it’s of no use. I like investing my time in things that I love doing.

So what is your take on relationships and marriage now?

I would want to get married for sure, but let us see how things shape up. I am just waiting for the right time.

How important is it for youngsters like you to have a good set of friends or family, relatives near you?

It is very important to have a good set of family and friends because they will not let one go astray. Their love, guidance and support will always be there and I am blessed to have a wonderful family. 

What according to you is a good lifestyle?

Good lifestyle is being happy and content. Eat proper, stay fit and just be happy. Happiness is what matters the most to me. 

Getting back to your career, you have tried your hand at fiction as well as reality. What did you enjoy doing the most?

Well, since I was never an actor and I never thought of becoming one, I loved doing all of it. Fiction and reality were two different experiences and learning curve. I enjoyed doing both, and I will want more and more now. 

Are you open to more of reality shows? If so, what are they?

Yes, I am waiting for Khatron Ke Khiladi and I want to do a singing reality show and a cookery show and all of it.... (laughs loud)

Controversies have been following you. There were reports of you being unprofessional on the sets of Mere Angne Mein, and reports stated that you were on the verge of getting replaced. How do you react to such rumours?

This is so funny. If I was unprofessional, I would have been replaced by now. Why would anyone tolerate unprofessionalism when they have invested so much money? People try to exploit actors and when we refuse, this is how they damage an actor’s image without even realising that truth always wins.. I am even now doing the show, and that proves I am not unprofessional (smiles). 

What kind of a person is Ekta Kaul? Tell us about yourself.

Ekta Kaul is like every other normal girl who loves all little things in life and hates having regrets. I do things that I think are right without harming people around me. I believe in karma. I believe in the saying ‘What goes around comes around’. So I try being happy by helping people and also try making people around me happy. 

What are your likes and dislikes?     

I love travelling, music and love cooking. I hate having futile conversations. I hate people who don't take responsibility of what they do. And I hate people honking on the road (smiles).

Do you have any regrets in life?

Nothing that I can think of. 

Where do you see yourself five years down the lane?

I would want to have a balanced life after five years. I want to do good work; want to be a good wife and a good mother probably. 

Tell us honestly, are you single or in a relationship?     

(Laughs) I would definitely tell you about my relationship when the right time comes. Till then you guys just love my work.