Showing posts with label Rashami Desai interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rashami Desai interview. Show all posts
Therapy helped me grow into a stronger individual-Rashami Desai
8:28 AM
Kanksha Vasavada (BOMBAY TIMES; January 22, 2025)
Rashami Desai, who made her D-Town debut with Superstar in 2017, is back to Gujarati films after eight years. Rashami, who was recently seen in Mom Tane Nai Samjay, shares, “I am happy to see the changes in the filmmaking process and the kind of content being explored in our films now. I love watching Gujarati films and listen to their songs regularly. Our films have tremendous potential and I hope that we get equal support from our audiences too.” She adds, “Our audience has good spending capacity, so, all we need is to offer them good content.”
‘Wish to be welcomed more in Gujarati films’
Asked about why it took her so long to return to D-Town, she says, “While I was waiting for good scripts, I didn’t have many offers either. While our industry is exploring new subjects and genres, they should also give opportunities to other actors, instead of just working with the same set of people. There is such good content being generated now, and I keep wondering why aren’t we offered any? There are actors who have done a fair bit of work and have gained national recognition, but it feels sad when we aren’t given many opportunities in our own regional industry. Having worked in television for so many years, I wish to be welcomed more in Gujarati films now and I hope to receive the same kind of love and recognition here.”
‘My TV shows came out at the right place and at the right time’
Having worked in television for almost a decade, Rashami has primarily done unconventional shows with societal messages. Was that a conscious choice?
She says, “For me, the script is the most important thing. If I like the script, I’ll do it, and if I don’t, I won’t — phir chahe bahut paise bhi kyun na mil rahe ho uske liye. So, when Uttaran came along, the subject was very interesting, and people connected with it a lot. Even though Tapasya was a grey character, audiences wanted to see more of her. Similarly, during Dil Se Dil Tak, the concept of surrogacy and IVF wasn’t very popular, but it resonated with people who were experiencing it, which is why they related to Shorvari so much. I believe my shows came out at the right place and at the right time.”
'Therapy helped me grow into a stronger individual'
Reflecting on how seeking help has made her stronger, Rashami says, “I was overly committed to my work, working day and night for my shows. While people loved me as Tapasya (Uttaran) and Shorvari (Dil Se Dil Tak), it hurts when you realize they like your characters, not you. That’s when I started counselling, as I understood that achieving success is easy, but usko sambhalna over the years can be tricky. So, while I was working, I was also undergoing therapy, and that has made me a stronger individual today.”
Does it become difficult to talk about it? She says, “There is nothing wrong with sharing the current, actual phase you’re going through. Shows and their shelf life are temporary — that’s something I’ve learned through very tough times in my life. I’ve realized it’s fine even if no one stands with you, as long as you stand up for yourself and have belief and faith in yourself.”
Talking about changes in viewing patterns with rise in OTT, Rashami says, "While television content has changed a bit, viewing patterns have undergone a more significant transformation — and rightly so. Post-COVID, we’ve all become accustomed to watching shorter episodes, content that can be downloaded and watched while travelling, or shows that wrap up in just a few episodes. This shift has truly spoilt us for choice."
Sharing details about her upcoming projects, she adds, "I took a year-long break to escape the monotony of everything happening in my personal and professional life. But now, I’m back with a regional movie already released and a few projects lined up across different mediums, which I will be announcing soon. Although I have been working for so long, I still haven’t reached a stage where I’m okay with not working. I want to take on more projects with talented directors and work on stories with meaningful, real content — something that brings a shaant feeling to my artiste soul."
I learnt the hard way to say no to bad work and wait patiently-Rashami Desai
10:01 AM
Rashami Desai, who is looking forward to her next film’s release, talks about lack of good work and long gaps in the her career in the last few years
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 8, 2025)
For Rashami Desai 2024 was a learning experience. “There have been a lot of ups and downs in the last year and I faced a lot of personal challenges, so I was working on myself,” says the actor, adding, “Due to travelling, I faced some severe gut issues which were neglected and later became a bit severe. I should have actually acknowledged it at the time but while working, you tend push things aside. As a result, I developed food allergies, so I have to cautious about what I eat.”
‘I played a mom in Uttaran and faced consequences’
Starting the new year with a bang, she is looking forward to 2025 with excitement. “My Gujarati film, Mom Tane Nahi Samjay, will release soon and there are a couple of good projects lined up too. I would like to tell my Hindi audiences to come and watch the film as it has an amazing story. Though I was offered the role of a mother, and initially, I refused but after hearing the story, I knew I had to do it. I took up the mum’s role (in the Gujarati film) as it is dumdaar.”
She recalls her previous role as a mother and adds, “When I played a mum in (TV show) Uttaran, I had faced consequences as one gets labelled quickly in the industry. I played the role of Tapasya, who has a daughter, but people began seeing me as a mum and didn’t understand that I was playing a character. It took me a little while to change the perception and get rid of the label. I am not against playing a mum on screen but getting typecast is a hindrance. Yet that has not stopped me from picking roles when I really love the script.”
‘Kuch bhi karne se acha toh kuch mat karo’
The actor has “interesting roles and amazing projects” lined up this year including a Hindi film and a web show, but also admits that there have been some long gaps in her career due to lack of good work.
Talking about it, Desai says, “In the recent years, I have not been offered projects that excite me. From the ones offered, I wouldn’t like anything. I have tried to do experimental roles as well but while the script is interesting, what falters is the execution which isn’t up to the mark. I learnt the hard way to say no to bad work and wait patiently. Kuch bhi karne se achcha toh kuch mat karo. Mujhe achcha kaam karna hai. Money is very important but I’ve never worked for money. I am waiting for good work, with a capable director and good content. In between, I did Bigg Boss too but then the pandemic happened which led to a long gap between projects. So many people would meet me and say, ‘Aap kitna acha kaam karte ho. Aap ke saath kaam karna hai’ but nothing would materialise. It would be just talk.”
‘Nothing is working on television’
The actor has been the face of many popular TV shows but isn’t happy with the current content on the small screen. She says, “I strongly feel that on TV the current phase will continue for a while. Nothing is working on television. So many creators are trying different concepts but so many shows are shutting shop within three months. Writers are creating good stories, directors are pushing for their vision and actors are giving their best but there is something amiss and that’s why its not connecting (with the audience). TV par choti choti cheezen important hai, sab emotions highlight hote hain. It’s all about details.”
During my solo trip to USA, I realised life is so much more. I got to spend more time with myself-Rashami Desai
7:48 AM
During her solo trip to the USA recently, Rashami Desai realised there’s more to life than just work
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 17, 2022)
Recently, Rashami Desai set off on a month-long solo vacation in the USA and the actor admits that the getaway was important for her to reconnect with herself and reflect on her life choices. “It was a much-needed vacation, something I was planning for the past two-three years. Ghoomna phirna had always been my last priority, which made me a different person. During this trip, I realised life is so much more. I got to spend more time with myself,” says the actor.
Sharing her realisations, Desai adds, “Sometimes, you do things (work) at the best places, wear the best clothes, have everything in your hand, but uske baad kya? [During the trip I realised that] kal ko agar main kaam nahin karungi aur the Rashami Desai nahin rahungi, toh kya! I found my choices and answers.”
The 36-year-old adds that she has been working since she was 16 and the Coronavirus pandemic gave her the time to reflect on her life. “I realised I had only been working and running. Maine life mein bahut kuch miss kiya hai, but I want to explore new things now. A creative mind needs a break and I forgot that. Now, I am feeling good, independent and comfortable,” she says.
Interestingly, Desai didn’t just travel alone, but also went backpacking: “Going solo was scary, because Covid-19 is still around and I kept thinking, ‘What if I contract the virus while travelling? I’d have no one to take care of me’.”
From protecting herself from bag snatchers to experiencing the thrill of bungee-jumping, the actor says she learnt to conquer her fears. “For the first time in my life, I did not travel luxury. Everything was in one backpack. I would get scared sometimes… In fact, ek baar mera samaan snatch hote-hote bacha,” the Dil Se Dil Tak actor ends.
I’m not looking for love but if it happens automatically, I will go with the flow-Rashami Desai
7:43 AM
Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; November 23, 2021)
Rashami Desai’s personal life was much in focus during Bigg Boss 13, two years ago. She has entered the house again as a wild card contestant in Bigg Boss Season 15. Before entering the house, the actress had a quick chat with us on her game plan, how tough it is to enter a show mid-way and if she is open to finding love. Excerpts:
How prepared are you to enter as a contestant again in the Bigg Boss house?
During my season (Bigg Boss 13), we used to fight a lot, just like the present lot of contestants, but we weren’t disrespectful towards each other the way these contestants are. We would mostly fight during tasks, and task ke baad bhi agar hamari fights hoti thi toh there would be proper reasons for it. I sometimes feel that the current contestants take out too many personal grudges on the show.
How different will you be this time around in the house?
Everyone has been asking me this. I am going in hoping to win. It is rare that a wild card entry has won the show, but I hope it happens. I don’t know how the audience is going to accept me in the middle of the show. Let’s see.
Do you have any favourite contestants inside the house?
I have been very close to Tejasswi Prakash; we have been friends outside the house. But when you are inside, that too as a contestant, the situation becomes different. I also like the way Shamita Shetty communicates with people inside the house. I like Neha Bhasin, too. But jab aap season ke beech mein enter karte ho toh some people tend to demean you. Neha ne usko bahut achhe se handle kiya hai.
Are you open to finding love inside the house, or are you twice bitten and forever shy?
I am not saying I am not open to finding love. However, that comfort with someone is very difficult to find because of my experiences in life. Jab jab jo jo hona hoga tab tab so so hoga. Jab aap kisi cheez ke liye na karte ho toh kudrat aap ke saath khelti hai, so it is better ki woh karo jo kudrat karwaye. I am not looking for love, but if it happens automatically, I will go with the flow.
I want a National Award and I am working towards it-Rashami Desai
8:15 AM
The actor opens up on her transition from television to the OTT space; adds that it takes time to establish oneself in a new and different medium
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 2, 2021)
Having made a name for herself on television, Rashami Desai has now transitioned to the digital space. The actor, who recently debuted on OTT, admits that she got many offers but wasn’t quite convinced about them. “When you do a show on OTT, not just your character but the subject is also important. Often, a word-of-mouth publicity works for digital projects, so one has to choose wisely. And, I have to say it has been a fabulous experience,” says Desai.
She further adds, “I wanted to explore OTT as an actor as I have many dreams which I want to fulfill. I want a National Award and I am working towards it. Mujhe nahin pata kitni lambi journey hogi, kaise hoga par koshish karungi. It has been a dream for a long time. Earlier, I was working on television, which is a beautiful platform and will remain evergreen, but every medium has its own interests, audiences and viewership. I respect that.”
The Uttaran star admits that she is ready to learn new things and feels she is limitless: “It does take time to convince me to do something. I have learnt from my mistakes and have become more choosy than before.”
While a number of actors have transitioned from TV to films and OTT, it is no cakewalk. Talking about her experiences, Desai shares, “After having reached a certain stature in life, when you have to switch to another medium, it irks many. It takes time to establish yourself in a new arena. Today, if I leave acting and start a business, people won’t line up for my product just because I am Rashami Desai. It will take time to set it up.”
The influential people get better projects and better space. It is humiliating-Rashami Desai
8:09 AM
Rashami Desai says TV actors, despite the availability of new mediums, are still sidelined by many in the industry
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 10, 2021)
Conversations about how the lines are blurring between mediums with no more demarcations for actors have been going on for a while, but Rashami Desai says the ground reality is still different. Desai, who has dabbled with films, TV and web, is primarily known for her stint on the small screen.
“When I get categorised for certain platforms and they say that yeh toh TV actress hai, toh bura lagta hai. People don’t want to see the good work I have done,” she says.
Further calling out the biases that exist against TV actors, she says, “They’re open for new people but humein TV actors bolke kaam nahi dete hai. The influential people get better projects and better space. It is wrong. I don’t like it. It is humiliating and insulting.”
Desai, who has been a part of Hindi, Bhojpuri and Gujarati films, adds: “Even people in TV will not respect TV actors so much. They treat you like you are not good, and they give preference to film actors. But I have learnt that you have to demand for it and when you demand, they do it,” she says.
On why she thinks many from TV fail to make their mark in Bollywood, the actor says, “Being a part of Bollywood has a different flavour. But actors have to be very patient. Sometimes everything is finalised and the last moment because of a call, you get replaced. But hats off to such TV actors who make a transition from TV to films. Now I am happy that people are open to taking actors from TV in web and films,” she concludes.
During such times, wrong use of words has adverse effect-Rashami Desai
12:16 PM
Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 10, 2020)
Rashami Desai feels “self-love, acceptance and forgiveness” are the three things that can bring about a difference in this world. On the occasion of World Mental Health Day today, the actor urges everyone to be compassionate. Desai, who has never shied away from talking about her battle with depression, says that it’s time we remove the stigmas attached to mental health issues.
“People need to understand that words are powerful. What you say might affect others. It’s sad how people don’t think twice before misbehaving. We’re going through unpredictable times, this sudden change in our life has added so much stress. During such times, wrong use of words has adverse effect,” she says.
From her own experience, Desai says that we all take so many responsibilities in “our lives that we tend to forget ourselves” amid everything.
“And then, when something happens we get disturbed easily. Give yourself time. Love and respect yourself. Before seeking happiness outside, search within you. Do whatever makes you happy. Meet new people, travel, read, sleep or do nothing. Don’t just stick to social media. Real life is amazing,” she adds.
Desai is happy that discussions around mental health are now considered normal. “There’s still a long way to go. Many are yet to recognize the gravity of mental health issues, which is why people still fear to talk about what’s bothering them. That needs to change and it can only happen if we all come together. Treat every day as mental health day and deal with your life accordingly,” she concludes.
Arhaan Khan is a closed chapter for me-Rashami Desai
8:10 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; February 27, 2020)
By her own admission, her journey on Bigg Boss 13 was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. Rashami Desai, who took a while to understand the game and come into her own, had a rather tough stay inside the house, when she learnt about her beau Arhaan Khan’s marriage and also the fact that he has a child with his former wife. Days after the reality show concluded, BT caught up with Rashami to know about the status of her relationship with Arhaan, her equation with other inmates on the show — friend-turned-foe-turned-friend Sidharth Shukla and Asim Riaz. Excerpts...You had a rather tumultuous journey on Bigg Boss, laced with several ups and downs. You learnt about Arhaan’s marriage and fatherhood on national television. However, the way you handled the situation was appreciated by the audience...
Many people judged me inside the house, but I didn’t care as I was being true to myself. I am the only one who had such a tough journey on the show. I got time to take stock of the situation and also learnt about what was happening in the outside world through people who visited the house. I got to know what he (Arhaan) was talking about me and our relationship. On the show, he once said that unhone mujhe sadak par se uthaya hai. It was quite funny. Yes, there was a time when I didn’t have a house and was going through financial troubles, but I was never at his mercy. Those things hurt me, but I stood like a wall for him inside the house so that nobody could say anything to him. I have never spoken badly about him even after his exit from the show. I won’t say anything bad about him even now, because he is a closed chapter for me.
It was reported that you took up the show so that Arhaan could get a chance to be a part of it, too. Is that true?
Yes, that was one of the reasons. I thought main agar yeh show karti hoon toh usko ek opportunity mil jaayegi, but I had no idea that the situation would backfire.
Did he try to get in touch with you after the show ended?
He tried to reach out to me via text messages. I, too, need some answers and will meet him. I didn’t know about his marriage and child. I haven’t even met his parents. I just know that he has three sisters and one brother. I am not aware of his two houses in Mumbai either. The gem business he talks about is owned by his dad. I didn’t expect him to hide such a big aspect of his life from me. It came as a shock; at one point, I contemplated leaving the show, as I wasn’t able to handle it. I realised that after one point, the game wasn’t about how I was dealing with other inmates, it was more about how I was tackling the situation at hand with him. I think it was a good decision to not leave the house, kyunki main baahar aati toh mujh par questions uthte ki I used him for the show. I don’t harbour any ill feeling for him even today.
Looking back, do you think that Arhaan used you emotionally and your popularity to his benefit?
I believe that he used me emotionally. I don’t want to comment on other things at this moment.
When your relationship with Arhaan started out, were you hoping to get second time lucky in love? (Rashami got married to actor Nandish Sandhu in 2012, and the duo got divorced in 2016). In such a scenario, when you are hoping against hope, taking the ultimate call to end this relationship must have been heartbreaking and really tough?
It was difficult because I couldn’t detach myself. You always wish for a relationship to culminate in a life-long commitment, but it was not meant to be. I have realised that I don’t need a man to take care of me, but someone who can understand and respect me as a partner. You learn from your mistakes. Failing in one aspect doesn’t mean you have failed in life. I made a decision and have moved on beautifully. I lost my father at a very young age and maybe, that’s why mujhe aadmiyon ki pehchaan nahi hai.
Have you developed trust issues because of these bitter experiences?
I had trust issues earlier, too, but I don’t see anything wrong in it. Transparency makes a relationship stronger, but if the person isn’t ready to give you answers, there is trouble. There should be no reason to lie in a relationship. I have been an independent woman all my life, and I have taken care of people associated with me. I can’t trust everyone and it’s natural.
On a lighter note, ab ghar ki chabi kiske paas hain?
Abhi, aapke aur mere beech mein jo mera bag hai usme hai mere ghar ki chabi (laughs!)
While your journey on Bigg Boss was a roller-coaster ride, you also made some friends on the show. In fact, you forged a strong friendship with Asim Riaz, which has been liked by everyone...
Asim and I started talking in December. Before that, we would fight a lot. He took his time to come around and maybe, that made our friendship stronger. We understood each other well and he did things for me without making a noise about it. He is genuine. We became closer because of the situations we faced inside the house. We don’t expect anything from each other. I am just thankful to him for standing by my side.
Your equation with Sidharth Shukla also became a talking point on the show. In the past, your friendship with him had turned sour while both of you were working together on the TV show, Dil Se Dil Tak (DSDT). Recently, you were also seen on a couple of episodes of the reality show, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, with him. Do you two still fight?
I am sure that four-and-a-half months ke baad usko meri aadat ho chuki hogi, aur mujhe uski (laughs!). Sidharth and I had contrasting points of view and differences of opinion, because of which, we would often fight on the set of DSDT. As I always say, he is like a 10-year-old boy trapped in a big body. Keeping aside our differences, we were extremely professional; he was cordial and cooperative on the show we had worked on. We just couldn’t stop fighting even after becoming friends during the course of the show (laughs!). Later, when the fights became intense, I decided to end our friendship. Aisi dosti ka kya faayda jisme aap apne dost ko nahi samajh paa rahe ho.
There were rumours of Sidharth and you being a couple during DSDT, though briefly. Were the two of you in a relationship then and how would you describe your equation today?
No, we were not in a relationship then. Hamaare bohut jhagde hue hain Bigg Boss mein, but towards the end of the show, hamaare beech mein ek achhi understanding bann gayi thi.
What are your future plans?
I have been working for years and work will always be my priority. I will take up a TV show if I like the concept. I would also like to dabble in theatre to hone my acting skills and upgrade myself.
Are you willing to give love and marriage another chance?
It’s very difficult for me to answer this question, because I have gone through so much. I am not thinking about either at this point and am focusing solely on work. If it has to happen, it will.
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