The petite girl from Patna, Ratan Rajput was never interested in studying. Her only dream was to act and after completing her education from Meerut she went to Delhi to pursue her desire. Today Ratan is all smiles as she has finally made her presence felt on the TV screen as Ruchi in NDTV Imagine’s Radha Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhyege.

We catch up with this actor whose struggle has finally paid off.

What made you take up acting as a career?

Well, it all just happened. I was always attracted to theatre and since my seventh grade I had started participating in school plays. I was never interested in studies, so after completing my graduation I shifted to Delhi to pursue theatre.

I have received no formal training. Surendra Sharma was my guru in the stage world. Whatever I know about the craft is thanks to him, he is my guide. After five years of doing theatre he advised me to go to Mumbai and try my luck. So with two of my friends I came here.

What were the initial days in Mumbai like?

It was a struggle. As soon as we reached Mumbai, we made a fool of ourselves. We had no idea that public transport here goes by the meter. I got into quarrels because of this. We stayed in a guest house but had to leave soon as we had a permit of just 15 days. With nowhere to go we were left with 19 bags on the road till one of our friend, Sachin Narang bailed us.

Tell us about your first TV venture, House That on DD1.

I met Manish Goswami and worked for this DD1 show for six months. I essayed the role of the main lead Pallavi’s sister. It was a character role but I was happy that at least I got a start in this line. House That was a story of a middle class family where father is paralysed and I have to go out and work.

So how did Radha Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhyege fall into your lap?

Thank God I did not have to struggle so much professionally. As I wanted to work in bigger projects after House That, I took my pictures to DJ’s production (the makers of RKBKKD). I liked their show, Jassi Jaise Koi Nahi and thought of working with them. After seven months I was called for an audition and two days later I was finalised to play Ruchi.

That was the point that made me feel like a winner. Even before RKBKKD happened I had auditioned with many production houses but nothing materialised. I got this show in September and since then there was no looking back.

How is your rapport with your RKBKKD co-stars?

They all are very sweet and helpful; it’s like another family to me. We eat together and enjoy every moment spent on the sets. Ragini keeps guiding me about Mumbai lifestyle and she advises me about the dos and don’ts. Mona Vasu is just like my elder sister who pampers me a lot. She also guides me in my personal life. I visit their house whenever I feel alone.

Any similarity between Ruchi and Ratan?

Ruchi is very studious and I’m not, that’s the only difference between us. I am as emotional as Ratan is. Ruchi has never seen her dad so she keeps missing him. Besides that she is the youngest in the Sharma family so is the most pampered. She lives in her dream world and books fascinate her. You can say she is an introvert.

What has Mumbai taught you?

This city has taught me to live alone and earn my living. Definitely it has made my dream come true and given all the happiness especially those small things that matter. To have a flat in Mumbai is a very big thing and it has given me pride. The patience was bitter but it has paid off. I dream more and want to fulfill the dreams of my sir and my family too. I’ll be the happiest person when I achieve everything.

The impression this TV industry has left on you….

It has made me ambitious. I have fulfilled the dream of my elder sister who is handicapped and suffering from polio. I still remember before taking up television, she told me, ‘I can’t do it but if you have the opportunity then go ahead.’