This small town girl from Bhopal nurtured the dream of carving a niche for herself, and she proved to be the chosen one amongst the millions. We are talking about the beautiful and talented, Divyanka Tripathi, the protagonist of Zee's new show Banoo Mein Teri Dulhan. A former model, anchor, adventure sports freak; the phrase 'been there, done that' is apt for her persona.

In an exclusive interview with Sameera Kapoor, Divyanka talks about her journey from being girl-next door in Bhopal to being the brand new face of Zee.

"All these fame seems to be fantastic."

What does this new found fame mean to you?
It's yet to sink in. I have been so caught up with the shoot that I have hardly found time to sit back and enjoy the events unfolding around me. Certainly there is a funny sense of happiness churning in my mind and all of it seems to be fantastic.

What has been your family's reaction?
They are very proud and happy. In fact my mom would always tell me that you are a star in the making! My parents have been my motivators.

What is so different about your show, Banoo Mein ...?
It's the manner in which the subject is tackled. The story is about a small town girl and her trials and tribulations. The suspense weaved in before and after the marriage, which is another factor that will hook the audience.

The hoarding shows you wearing Mehendi and bangles in one hand while the other hand is plain, why?
See, the story deals with the emptiness in the life of the protagonist. It is an attempt to symbolise that emptiness and sense incompleteness which Vidya is going through. While what is the cause behind her sense of incompleteness you will have to wait and watch the show. (Smiles)

How did you bag this lead role?
I had acted in a telefilm titled Saathi Re aired on Sahara One. My co-star in that show suggested my name to the production house (Shakuntala Films). They approached me for the auditions, and rest is there for you to see.

"The story deals with the emptiness in the life of the protagonist..."

Any homework for the role?
Yes, all of us were enrolled for a 10 day workshop. Though it was a short term afair, it helped us in polishing our act.

Are you ready for bold scenes, going by the trend many channels have been resorting to?
Well, personally I am not comfortable with scenes that involve exposure. That is one reason which kept me away from trying in Bollywood. As of now I am not open to any such scenes. And it's my good luck that Banoo Mein...does not have any such requirement, for it's the story that revolves around a young bride's dilemma. There is no scope for a bold angle in the story.

The TV industry is buzzing with action and there's cut throat competition. Are you ready to cope up with monotonous and tiring shooting schedules?
On the contrary I think that all this has made me more disciplined and principled which is very essential to thrive in this industry. I have had a taste of adventure before, which has tested my ability to survive challenges. So it will will help me in this feild. I am sure I will enjoy acting.

What your age? You look very young
I am 21, and have recently graduated in Arts.

Do you, at any point feel that you will lose out on all the girlie fun one has at this age?
There comes a phase in on'es life when we grow up and become responsibile. For me, this is the time. I should be proud of this opportunity. Besides, it's not like that I have not enjoyed my life for the past 20 years. I have leaded very active life. I have experimented with everything. So there are no regrets of not being able to do certain things. In fact by being an actor I am actually aiming for a whole new horizon, which in itself is enterprising.

"I was into lot of adventure sports"

What is the real Divyanka like?
Pretty much like Vidya (her character in the show). Since I was involved in a lot of physical activities, it lead to the misconception that I am very tomboyish. But back in Bhopal I have always been this demure and simple, salwar kameez clad girl.

Did you always aspire to be an actor?
No, in fact I wanted to be an army officer. Back in Bhopal, I was the Captain of NCC. I have also participated in the Republic Day Camp where only the best of the cadets are sent. Over there I was the bestowed with the 'Best Cadet' title.

So, prior to acting, what kept you busy?
I was into lot of adventure sports. I have done a course of mountaineering from Uttarkashi Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. I hold a gold medal in rifle shooting. I am also the executive officer of the rifle academy in Bhopal. I have also learnt water ski, but it's ironic that I do not know to swim! That is the one thing which I would like to learn (smiles).

Continue...
In addition to all these activities I have also done lot of modelling. I was a participant of a Zee show, India's Best, and I was crowned 'Miss Beautiful Skin'. Ifor Zee Teen Queen. I have worked as an anchor in Akashwani Bhopal and have done a couple of telefilms for Doordarshan.

You use lot of 'aap' and 'hum' while conversing in Hindi. Are you promoting your serial?
No, this is the way I speak even in my real life. But after coming here it has become 'tum'. Perhaps my dialect was also a reason that the production house cast me. As I said earlier, I am very much like Vidya.