Famous bollywood stars and excerpts of their interview
Meeting film actors is a pleasure indeed, but, when you meet an actor with beauty and brains, the meeting turns out to be an unforgettable experience. And so was my causerie with the actress Raushni Srivastava. There were no polite trivialities, but, human behaviour at its best. Excerpts of the interview.
Q1. KV Raman: Did you had to struggle for a break?
A. Raushni: Everyone has their own struggles and having said that, yes even I had to struggle and I’m still struggling bcos for an outsider it’s difficult to reach the right people. But that struggle is for everyone out here. So I have no complaints.
Q2. KV Raman: Which has been your first project and who was the maker/director?
A. Raushni: I’m grateful to the director Siddharth Nagar son of Achala Nagar Ma’am, to give me my first work in his famous serial “Raghukul ki Reet Sada Chali Aayi” featuring the superstar Rajesh Khanna Sir.
My mom dad were extremely happy that I was a part of that serial. I gave audition to Sir, and he was like “you are working with me.”
Q3. KV Raman: What type of role you look for?
A. Raushni: The role that enlivens me. The story that excites me. The team that gels with me. The team that is positive. See it’s a team work so I guess we all need to be authentic towards our project and at the same time playful in a positive way. Because, if an actor is uncomfortable or unhappy how will he or she perform? This is my opinion. I’m looking for protagonist roles that are challenging and fun to enact.
Q4. KV Raman: What is your frank opinion on the Giant OTT Platform?
A. Raushni: OTT is good because it has in a way opened doors for people like who want to make their content and get it streamed there. Though now even that’s little difficult bcos industry is about time, contacts and consistency. Then comes talent and the success! I believe everyone shine in their timeline.
Q5. KV Raman: Did you have had any bad experience while getting the first break?
A. Raushni: I came across people who were making some stupid offers as to we will give you second lead etc. if you happen to do certain things. I’m an escapist. I then never used to pick up their call. But having said that, there are more fake people here to distract the outsiders. It’s my opinion so it caters to my experiences. Few people used to give me gyaan “You will not reach anywhere etc.” I don’t have any hostility towards them bcos it’s their choice to offer and it’s my choice to escape.”
Q6. KV Raman: Do you have the support from your family for entering the film industry?
A. Raushni: Yes. I have the support of my Papa and Mom. She says, “I have experienced struggles in my initial phase, wherein I was giving auditions but here, actors face a lot of problems related to money and often are mentally troubled.
I have faced exploitation, threats, and a few times, was mentally traumatised and blackmailed for the simple reason that I wasn’t meeting the right people.One has to face that if one is not from the film fraternity.
Also, I’m thankful to all the people who gave me work be it in serials, short features, anchoring and music video and other opportunities.
She added “Apart from father, my special ode is for those who helped me live my dream and my passion for acting in the beginning during my initial struggles. My regards to Siddharth Nagar Sir (grandson of late Shri Amritlal Nagar) for giving me my debut in the serial “Raghukul ki reet sada chali aaye.” Ravie Ravan Kathuria Sir, who gave me a chance in a few fantastic short films, “The Long Drive”, “Coffee & Secrets” and
“Choices”. My heartfelt thanks to Shailendra Singh Sir, who believed in me when I was facing financial difficulties, and gave me other opportunities. I’m indebted to Amar Jeet for portraying the role of the world-famous comedian Charlie Chaplin and for casting me opposite him in “Mr.& Mrs. Charlie”, the short film that reached finalist list at Film Fare Short film awards. Mohan Singh Rathore gave me the opportunity to portray a lawyer in a Rajasthani film, “Aulaad”,
I’m thankful to Ketan Anand Sir, who always gave me the best advice. Also, Vivek Singhania sir who was there in my tough times when I lost my dad.”
I’m also grateful to Abhishek Kumar Singh who directed “Don’t Don’t” music video and “My Mom” short and I got accolades for both the music video and the short.
I am even indebted to Dhiraj Singh Sir for giving me the role of Mary Jose in the his upcoming film, tentatively titled, ”Main aaungee Hawaa Banke”.
I completed the shoot in Goa.
News Input KV Raman
