Ridheema Tiwari: After 'Ghulaam', everyone offered me another Maldawali

For an actor, the popularity of a character works both ways. While it proves that the artiste is firmly etched in people’s minds, it also poses the risk of getting typecast. Ask 'Ghulam’s Maldawali aka Ridheema Tiwari, who got popular for her unique sari-tucking style and negative avatar on the show. The role garnered so much appreciation that the actress received only similar offers for almost a year. Now, after almost two years, Ridheema, who tied the knot with co-actor Jaskaran Singh last year, will be seen in Divya Drashti. She says, “Many people misunderstood that post marriage, I wanted to take a break. They assumed that I was on a long honeymoon. Of course, I was getting offers, but nothing was interesting enough. Everyone offered me another Maldawali, and I didn’t want to get typecast. I also wanted to end playing only negative, vampish roles. An actor is always hungry for versatility. The best part about Divya Drashti is that it is a finite show. My role is well defined.” Ask her if she enjoys the content on TV shows these days and she replies, “What is working on TV, is the result of what the audience want to watch. Also, there is no point in criticising content when you don’t have a solution to it. I am happy that I have work and my bread and butter comes from it. I always remind myself that there are many people who want my job and are struggling with endless auditions. So, we can’t complain at all.”Ridheema, who had a powerful role in 'Begum Jaan', admits that Bollywood films are not easy to crack. “It was a great learning experience to work with actors like Vidya Balan and Gauahar Khan. My role was appreciated and it stood out. Having said that, a film project is not easy to land. It is many times a matter of hard work and luck.”On the personal front, Ridheema is happy that she has been able to balance her marriage and career. “I have known Jaskaran for many years before we tied the knot. So, we were already done with all those differences of opinion or issues that a normal couple goes through in the initial days of their marriage. Now, it is more about complimenting and completing each other and helping each other grow,” she signs off.