'I've never worked for money'

Actor Radhika Pandit is super excited about her latest project not only because of its subject and her unique characterisation, but also because she is working with a Tamil director for the first time in her career.

The shooting has already begun and Radhika is looking forward to start working on the project.

She feels that the six-month break she took after her wedding has done her a lot of good as she is now getting a lot of offers and she can choose what she wants to work in. In an interview with Nina C George, Radhika talks about her projects and her future plans.

What made you accept this project?
I liked the subject. It is a romcom, where comedy is a main ingredient with a love story woven in. The director, Priya, has worked as an assistant to director Mani Ratnam. I would have said yes to this project even if I was not married because it has a class of its own.

What is the title?
We are yet to finalise a title because the script has been written in Tamil and is now being translated into Kannada. It is only after this will we be able to decide the title and the names of the characters.

What did you like most about Priya?
I really liked Priya’s energy when she was narrating the script because I could actually visualise the film. She knew her characters so well and had sketched them beautifully. Since the narration of the script itself made me laugh, I was confident that it is a good script.

Are you weary of working with new directors?
No I am not. In fact, some of my projects like ‘Mr and Mrs Ramachari’, ‘Bahaddur’ and ‘Endendigu’ were by new directors. I usually don’t write off anybody because I am conscious that I too was a first-timer once upon a time. If I know that there is capability by the style of narration, then I agree to work on the project.

What is the one point that made you return to work soon after marriage?
I had a lot of offers coming my way even after marriage. This, I thought, was an encouraging because it showed that there were directors who still wanted me to work in their projects.

You have a supportive spouse in Yash?
Till I got married, I had the support of my parents. But now, Yash and my parents-in-law, are encouraging too. I wouldn’t have come this far without their love and support.

What do you think has brought you this far?
I have never worked for money and never worked out of obligation. I have always chosen projects that I am convinced about and those that I feel I should be a part of.

What keeps you grounded?
My upbringing and the qualities that my parents had inculcated in me from a young age.