After making it big as a television star with her role as Laali on Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo actress Ratan Rajput has had quite an exciting career.
Here, the 28-year-old — who will soon be starring alongside Gracy Singh in the upcoming mythology-based show Santoshi Maa — talks about making it big on the small screen, her strong belief system and her plans for a career in movies:
You’ve been in the television business since 2008. How has your
journey so far been?
The journey has been great. It has been a mix of ups and downs, good and bad, but I have learnt important lessons as a person and a professional from all of them and grown a lot.
Your last show was a modern, youth-centric show — Fanaah — but now you’re doing a mythological show — Santoshi Maa. What made you choose such a different kind of role?
Until now, there have mostly been shows based on mythology and epics, but this is a socio-mythological series. Something like Santoshi Maa has never been made.
And I myself have always been experimental with the choices I have made on work front, whether it’s Radha Ki Betiyan, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Keejo, Fanaah and now Santoshi Maa. So it’s like I am trying something new again.
What are your expectations regarding the show’s success?
I think people will connect with the show because it carries a lot of meaning. Also, no matter what the story is, people want to be entertained. And I expect this show to do just that — to have audiences learn something and to be entertained.
What’s it like working with Gracy Singh and your other new cast members from Santoshi Maa?
So far, I have only shot for a day and a couple of hours with Gracy but we share a good professional equation for now. Abhishek Bajaj — who plays Sanket — and I have become very good friends, however. I also get along quite well with Ayaz Ahmed.
Which format of television shows do you prefer working with — reality or fiction?
Fiction, because you get to be so many different characters and face so many different situations that you don’t in your real life. You get so many different identities: You are an actor and then you can also be a doctor, a poor person, a rich person... anything in the world.
Since you’re acting in a show that’s based on religion... do you believe in God yourself?
I leave everything to God, quite honestly. I am a firm believer that whatever happens in the universe is because of God.
Who is the one person you look to or what is that one thing that you do whenever you’re down?
I practise meditation a lot; It’s said that when you are praying, you are talking to God and when you are meditating you are listening to God. So I keep talking to God when I am in my wakefulness and then I listen to his answers when I am meditating.
You’ve been married thrice on screen. Any plans of having one in real life too?
I had thought about getting married once, but it never really reached that point where I wanted to actually go through with it. After that, I have not planned to get married and I have not planned to stay single consciously either.
I’m sure the “right guy” must be somewhere out there, but it’s probably just not the right time. It’s just like having a baby — There are so many couples who wait and wait and try so hard, but some are blessed with a child easily.
Would you consider having a career in Bollywood?
I would love to do films because for me, as an actor, it’s acting that matters, whether it is films, TV or even theatre. I think there are many layers to me as an actor and that’s something directors can explore.
Have you reached a point in your life where you’re content with your achievements?
There is always something more that you want. But I hope I reach a point where I will be completely content someday.
