Television actor Rytasha Rathore, who started her career as
a theatre artist in plays like Aadyam, The Hound of the Baskervilles and The
Merchant of Venice, is these days very elated. And she has every reason to be
as her first venture on television, Badho Bahu, is doing quite well. Her show
may not be getting good TRPs but her acting skills have been acclaimed.

Badho Bahu, a TV serial set in a Haryana background,
narrates the story of an overweight girl (Rathore) and her dream of marrying
Prince Charming. The show also highlights her battles with aplomb. The actor
was recently in New Delhi, where she talked about herself and the new
developments in the show. Excerpts:

Q The show is doing well. According to you, what is the best
part?

The show has everything to connect with people and entertain
them. Another good part of it is the writer has focused on a fat girl and made
her the heroine. Have you seen this earlier? Whenever there’s mention of a hero
or heroine, a beautiful face comes to mind. Can you ever imagine a fat girl
becoming the heroine of a show? 

Q There is a rumour going around that the show will soon
have a new twist and turn…

What can I tell you, there are many things that are going to
be changed. It will be so interesting and extraordinary, (something) the
audience has never seen on Indian television, especially in a girl’s life. I
think Badho’s (meaning big and fat in Haryanvi) personal journey is going to be
very beautiful. There will be some drama, emotion, a love story and the
emergence of a very strong female character. 

Q This is your first show. Are you happy with the kind of
response you’re getting?

Of course, I am very happy to get a positive response. You
know, I have never thought that I would get this sort of response. Everybody is
enjoying the show. Moreover, I got to know Badho Bahu has become the number one
show on television.

Q How did you prepare for this role?

Let me tell you one thing, I was fat in my childhood too.
But two years ago, I reduced my weight. Of course, I didn’t become a thin girl
but I was a good healthy girl. It took two years. I had to eat fruits and
vegetables only and no drinking. But for this show, I had to put on around
eight kilograms. 

Q Many people say the concept of the show is somehow
inspired by a movie called Dum Laga Ke Haisa. What is your take on this?

At the end of the day, nothing is original. Whatever concept
we write, it is already written and directed, there is no such thing called
originality. Human stories are almost the same everywhere. Whenever we talk
about a human story, it ends up either in love, emotion, betrayal, rejection or
drama.

Q You started your career as a theatre artist and are now a
television artist. What difference in acting are you finding between the two
mediums?

There is not much difference. One has to do the same work in
both places. But in the TV serials we have to take care of technical things
like how to drape a dupata, make-up, hairdo and so on. But on the stage, once
you are on, nobody will come to fix your make-up or hair. This is the advantage
in theatre.

Q Are you open for the big screen also?

Yes… why not? I want to do acting only. I want to become a
good actor. I don’t want to become a star or big heroine. I also want to start
my own Youtube channel.

By Rakesh Kumar