Exclusive! ‘Kesariya’ star Ritu Bhagwani: Mr Mukesh Chabbra once told me, ‘Continue polishing yourself, your energy is amazing’

Ritu Bhagwani is an upcoming actress who will be seen in Dhwani Gautam's 'Kesariya'. The actress is a few months away from being on the silver screen. The actress will be seen as the on-screen character of Riya in Dhwani Gautam’s upcoming film ‘Kesariya’ which is already being anticipated with the poster that hints at a beautiful story about Kutch and Scotland. Speaking exclusively with ETimes, Ritu Bhagwani has spilled the beans on her entire journey until her debut in Gujarati cinema, her experience of working with such extremely sharp and intelligent director and actors and more.Excerpts from the interview...
Tell us how it all began in your journey as an actress?
I was hardly five or six when I started lip syncing to television advertisements. Gradually, as I grew up, I began writing my own acts and performing on them. I even used to give auditions to production houses. As I entered college, my parents made me join UPSC, but I never stopped giving auditions. It was very difficult for me to cope with both studies and acting so I skipped UPSC to pursue acting. It definitely took me a long time to convince my parents; my eldest sister helped me and they agreed in the end. So I started my journey with learning, attended different workshops and acting classes to polish my skills and understand my craft. I remember doing workshops with Mr. Mukesh Chabbra where I had performed an act where he said continue polishing yourself, your energy is amazing and it boosted my confidence. So there were a few projects that I wanted to do but didn’t work out and a few that I was not sure of and so didn’t take up. You have to do the right project at the right time and with the right people, and I think 'Kesariya' happened at the right time for me. I have a lot more to learn and grow as an actor, I am extremely happy to have begun my journey with a bunch of talented people around me as I can grasp a lot of knowledge from them.
Did you always plan to be an actress?
Always! Since my childhood, I have been fascinated about portraying different emotions. It excites me when an artist gets to be in someone else’s shoes. I remember being in grade 7 and writing one story, acting on the same on stage in front of students and teachers, and getting that applause from them made me understand how happy it makes me to perform. It just makes me feel alive and happy, and as one rightly says, ‘Do what you love and love what you do’. I love being in front of the camera, it makes me feel complete, so yes I was clear since my school time that this is what I wanted to be.
As you are playing the leading actress in your debut film 'Kesariya', were you a bit nervous?
I have had butterflies in my tummy as each member of our team is so experienced and perfect in their jobs that I had a bundle of emotions going on inside me. My only concern was we don't speak Gujarati at home but I know the Gujarati language very well as I have been brought up in Ahmedabad. But I was curious about the accent that should come in front of the camera, so I used to practice with our team of ad’s. Everyone has been so supportive. After day one of the shoots, my producer and director came and said to me that the casting is perfect which made me confident and all the nervousness and anxiety vanished.
How were you approached for Dhwani Gautam's film 'Kesariya'? Tell us about your character.
DG and I have known each other since a long time. He has been very welcoming towards me, we were trying to do a project together but for some reasons, it didn't work out. As we say, destiny has better plans for you always and 'Kesariya' happened. Of course, I was not the first choice, they had approached various known faces but a part always goes to the one who’s meant to do it. DG made me meet Jeegar Chauhan (the producer of our film). I met him thrice and then finally he was convinced on taking me in.
I am playing Riya who has been born and brought up in Scotland, so you are going to see her modern ideologies intertwined with traditional values. She visits India taking a group of people with her for a purpose. I am waiting to take you on that journey of ample emotions through Riya.