Do Duniya Ek Dil EXCL: Rutuja Sawant On Why Mentors Matter In Showbiz; Calls The Idea Of An ‘Ideal Man’ Myth

Do Duniya Ek Dil Actress Rutuja Sawant Exclusive: Currently seen in Do Dil Ek Jaan, Rutuja Sawant is making headlines with her refreshing perspective on life and career. In an exclusive chat with Filmibeat, the actress opened up about the key difference between "godfathers" and true mentors in showbiz, stressing why guidance matters more than connections. She also shared her honest take on the concept of an "ideal man," calling it more of an illusion than reality.

1) Do you think it's essential to have godfathers in the industry to make it?

I think the idea of a "godfather" in this industry is a bit complicated. Today, we've seen both sides-people who had strong backing and people who built everything on their own and still made it big. So I don't think a godfather is absolutely necessary. But what I do strongly believe is that having a mentor makes a huge difference. When you're starting out, you're constantly figuring things out on your own-what auditions to take, what to say yes or no to, how to present yourself. If I had someone guiding me early on, I would have definitely made some different choices. This industry can be very unpredictable-you might give a hundred auditions and not get one, or sometimes crack it in one go. It's not just about talent; it's also very timing- and destiny-driven.

That's why a mentor becomes so important. Someone who can guide you, keep you grounded, help you make the right decisions, and most importantly, lift you up when you feel demotivated. Someone who tells you that you don't need to change who you are, but instead helps you become the best version of yourself.

So no, I don't think you need a godfather, but having the right mentor can truly change your journey.

2) As an actor, do you feel the medium matters?

Earlier, I used to feel like the medium really mattered-that I had to choose between films, OTT, or television. But over time, that perspective has changed for me. Today, I don't think the medium matters as much as the work itself. For me, acting is the priority. I love being in front of the camera, and what truly matters is the quality of the role and how fulfilled I feel as an actor. Of course, there's also a practical side to it-I have responsibilities, I need to earn, and that's a reality I can't ignore. But I'm not choosing projects only for money. I want a balance where I'm creatively satisfied and also financially stable. As long as I'm doing work that excites me, challenges me, and helps me grow, I'm open to any medium. Whether it's films, OTT, or anything else, it doesn't define me. What matters is that I feel fulfilled as an actress. So no, I don't think the medium really matters anymore. The work does.

3) Is a web series your next go-to, or does TV make you happy?

I would definitely love to do a web series. A lot of the actors I'm currently working with are also doing web shows, and hearing their experiences-how different and creatively fulfilling it is-really excites me.

I am actively auditioning for web series and exploring those opportunities. That said, I'm equally grateful for television. TV has given me stability and is helping me run my house, which is very important to me.

So for me, it's not about choosing one over the other. I'm happy doing both. As long as I'm growing as an actor and staying creatively fulfilled while also being financially secure, I'm open to every medium.

4) Your ideal man-the kind you'd like to date?

I honestly feel like the idea of an "ideal man" is a bit of a myth, because no one is perfect. But over time, I've understood what feels right for me.

For me, an ideal man is someone who truly listens and cares about my feelings. Someone who makes me feel seen, understood, and never "too much." I want to be with someone around whom I can just be myself, without feeling the need to perform or change who I am. More than anything, it's about how they make me feel-a sense of calm, emotional safety... like my nervous system can just relax around them. And at the same time, someone who understands responsibility, who is secure in himself, and knows how to show up as a man in a relationship. So for me, an ideal man isn't about perfection-it's about presence, emotional safety, and being able to truly be myself with him.