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In Conversation with Rutuja Sawant
In this interview I got into an exclusive conversation with actress Rutuja Sawant who currently stars on Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali discussing her journey so far, her future professional plans and lots more.
Firstly, what made you choose a career in acting?
“So last year I completed my engineering degree and throughout my course, I always planned on doing an MNC 9-6 pm job. However, out of the blue, I was offered a role in a Telugu film despite having no intentions or knowledge of becoming an actor. So, I thought to myself let me give it a try, I guess there’s no harm in trying new things so I went to the shoot which was in Hyderabad. After a few days of filming, I realised that I am a completely different person on camera, weirdly confident making me rethink that perhaps this is what I want to do. I saw a different side of myself on camera which was super exciting. Hence, I then did a few more workshops and also did a few more projects making me realise the joy I had for this profession. That essentially made me choose my career.”
How did you feel when you bagged the role of Manasi in MHRW, did you tell your family or was it a surprise?
“I was called by a casting agent asking to give my audition for a Star Plus serial and I said sure. So, I gave it a try and sent her the audition. Two days later I got a call confirming that I’d been finalised and honestly this took me a while to process because I couldn’t believe it. I then went in for the look test and was still sceptical as I hadn’t signed any paperwork, but the channel approved the look test and when I signed the paperwork that’s when it hit me that I am actually doing this show. I then told my mother and she and I were both excited as I started filming for Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali in Jan, so it was a new year new beginning type situation.”
What are your dynamics like with your co-stars?
“It’s somewhat similar to the kind of dynamic you see on screen, except for Shivangi who although on screen I despise, off-screen we get along so well as we share a lot of things in common. As for Sai, I hadn’t shot much with him previously because of the different sets but since he is shooting frequently in the Deshmukh house we have started opening up and getting to know each other so it’s nice as I find him really cool.”
Besides Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali, what kind of roles would you like to play in the future and is there any particular genre that you are interested in?
“I guess I want to play every kind of role wishing to try different characters. I find each character an actor plays teaches them something that can be applied to real life, so I wish to play all sorts of characters. If I have to be very particular though, I would love to play a character like wonder woman.”
Besides acting, you are also a model. May you tell us about your favourite and/or challenging photoshoot till date?
“Modelling was honestly just for extra pocket money during my college days. One challenging photoshoot was for a jewellery exhibition which took over 7 days. It was a challenge because the exhibition was In Goregaon and I live in Thane so I had to wake up early around 5:30 am to commute by train to reach the site at 7 am. Then the shoot would happen and would usually finish by 8 pm. By the time I’d get home it would be almost 11 pm and then I’d have to eat dinner and go to sleep and repeat the following day etc… this lasted a week and that was by far a very challenging week.”
Putting work aside, tell us about your favourite hobbies. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
“My hobbies keep changing now and then so currently I am enjoying cooking as I live alone. I love experimenting with different kinds of dishes. Besides cooking, I love to read. Had I not been an actor I’d have loved to work in digital marketing so I read books on marketing and investment. Other than that, I like travelling so I will usually go to unexplored places near where I live and chill for a bit and then come back.”
Tell us one fun and/or random fact about yourself?
“I recently realised I talk to myself as I live alone and end up laughing because it’s only me who’s talking.”
If you had to go on a solo trip where would you like to go?
“I love travelling solo! So far, I’ve been to Ladakh, Thailand, Goa, Gokarna, Kerala and Rajasthan. The next solo trip that I am planning to take is to Bali during my birthday in November and I am also planning to travel to Tulum in Mexico sometime soon as it is completely my vibe.”
Any final messages for your fans?
“I love you all so very much. It is only because of your love and support that we’ve successfully completed 6 months of Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali. So please continue to show your support and we shall entertain you in the months to come. Thank you.”
