Playing a host on Youtube’s popular show Hashtag Juggad, Monica Sehgal had no clue that she would soon be cast as the lead on Swastik Productions’ show Manmarziyan. The bubbly beauty was handpicked by producer Siddharth Tewary, impressed by her screen personality.

We caught up with Monica at the show’s launch where she spoke at length about the serial and more.

The show, to be launched on Star Plus, will see Monica as Radhika, a simple girl from a small town, who would want to make an identity for herself before getting married off by her family.

“I think this story is completely my own. And not just my own, but every youth of today who wants a good career for herself before marriage. Coming from a small town myself (Ujjain), I can relate to the character completely. I too asked my parents to give me some time assuring them that I would definitely make them proud. And thankfully, with hardwork and luck, I have managed to reach this position. Today, more than me, my parents are happy and that gives me immense satisfaction.”

“Thankfully, my parents too understand the importance of being financially independent. I think it’s high time that people realised a woman can support a family financially and there is no harm if a guy helps his woman in household chores. If an individual is not bonded by responsibilities or rituals, I think relationships work better that way,” added the girl.

The show is all about women empowerment and freedom, so we asked her views about the Vogue campaign on ‘freedom’ and ‘choice’ that hit the headlines recently. “Of course I do. And I think not just a woman, a man too has the right to make his choices. As for the sex part that is being highlighted, I think it is a biological need of every person and it shouldn’t be used as a means of controversy.”

And finally, talking more about her own aspirations, Radhika quipped, “I was a national level badminton player but somewhere my only dream was to become a TV host. I had to somehow convince my dad and my coach to let me quit my game and come to Mumbai to let me live my dreams. My only wish now is to make them proud and never let down their trust and faith in me.”

Wish you luck, young girl!