EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! Ridhi Dogra On Her Five Releases In 2023, Jawan And Her Equation With Barun Sobti

"Enough of supporting roles, I want to play the main protagonist now", says Ridhi Dogra, who is flying high on the success of her two back-to-back shows, including Asur 2 and Badtameez Dil. With playing versatile roles in Indian television and OTT, actress has made a name for herself as an artist who never fails to deliver nuanced performances.

In an exclusive conversation with Filmibeat, Ridhi Dogra spoke about her journey in the entertainment industry, her aspirations, script selection process and working experience with Barun Sobti, Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan.

Talking about the 5 releases in 2023, Ridhi smiles and says, "I wish some of this had come out last year. But its okay. Its just how our profession is. Its all about timing and when things are going to happen, they will happen. It has happened for me now and it's a good thing."

Excerpts from the interview.

Q. You made your Bollywood debut with film 'Lakadbaggha', then two of your shows 'Asur 2' and 'Badtameez Dil' released this June and you are part of 2 more exciting projects. How does it feel?

A. I feel grateful. I think this is the time of OTT and it's a very satisfying time for actors because we can creatively do all the things that we could never even imagine. Earlier there were either movies, or television or theatre. Now, because of OTT a vast spectrum has opened up for all kinds of work one can do.

Q. Are you satisfied as an actor with the kind of roles you are getting now?

A. I am not satisfied, to be honest. I am more happy with the shows like Married Woman and Badtameez Dil. But then those were written by a woman, so she took care of writing a well nuanced female character. It is also generally said in the industry that there are not many female writers. So there is a lack of a perspective. Talking about roles, I think I can do a lot more. My training is television, and television presents well rounded female characters. And if you work intelligently, you can develop the character even more. There is a scope. I definitely miss that thing now. Why should powerful characters be limited to one gender or should be limited to 5 actresses. The change should happen and people should ask for it. OTT is doing that but I have to do more good work.

Q. What do you look out for in a script or a project to say yes?

A. The level I'm working at now, I am not a star or a superstar or anything, so clearly, what I look for is teams I am invested in. No matter how big or small the show is, I want to work with people who are invested in me and I am invested in my character and the story. Sometimes you meet some makers, who are making something just for the sake of it. I cannot work with such people because I understand that their only intention is to make money. I like to work with teams who should be passionate about the story we are telling and must believe in their story.

Q. When you look back at your journey, from Television to OTT and films, do you feel a sense of joy?

A. (Smiles) I still have so much more work to do. I don't want to look back. I think if we start looking back, we will start living in nostalgia. I am very rational and realistic kind of person. It is important for me to look ahead and move forward. Whatever I do, I want to be completely present in that moment. If I am a part of any project, I give my 100% in it. That's why I never look back to see how far I have come. I always look ahead.

Q. Are you competitive as an actor?

A. I am not competitive with others, but I am definitely competitive with myself. I want to do better than what I have done before. I have my dreams and I will work hard to achieve that.

Q. But entertainment industry is a competitive space. How do you deal with the vulnerable moments of your career?

A. I sit with my vulnerabilities and I always remind myself what I was when I started this journey. I remember the day I decided to be an actor. No one has ever advised me or forced me to come in entertainment industry. It was my decision. And here also, no one is guiding me or telling me anything. And if I had the courage at that time and made my career, I would definitely go ahead from here. That's what I always tell myself.

Q. Recently, in an interview, Barun Sobti had so much good things to say about you and your friendship. What do you want to say about the working experience with him?

A. I had a great experience working with Barun. I can trust him as my own person. It was a very healthy working experience. We worked like a team. And we have a similar way of working on the sets. Like we both do our homework and we want harmony on the set. He also comes on the set and submits himself completely. And it is the same with me, I also come on the sets without any pre-notions. I do know that fans are giving us lots of love and I am very grateful. It's very encouraging.

Q. What kind of roles do you aspire to do next?

A. I want to do roles where I am running the show, to be honest. I think I am ready to play the main protagonist and carry the story on my shoulder. Enough of supporting roles, and I have learned a lot over the years, now is the time to implement it. I am a production friendly actor, I understand script, I work with team, so I think I am ready for much more. And I really hope the industry gives me that kind of challenging roles.

Q. Do you approach directors or producers, you want to work with?

A. Actually, I don't mind approaching. But I am not much good in socially networking, so it becomes a little difficult.

Q. To end with, you are going to be seen in the two biggest films of this year- Jawan and Tiger 3. What were your takeaways working with Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan?

A. The experience was fantastic. They are superstars. Both have been working in films for years, but they still have a lot of humility. Both have kept the artist in them alive. There is a childlike quality to both of them. They take great care of the entire team on the set. They look out for the team, they look out for people around them. Along with the childlike quality they also have the wisdom of an experienced professional. It was incredible to see their passion for the work. So, that's my takeaway from them that no matter how much work you do, you must have humility. And also must know how to work with a team. I have never seen them feel or behave like I am superior or different. Both Shahrukh and Salman believe in teamwork and it was amazing for me to see that.