Ridhi Dogra: I don't need reality shows to tell about my real side.

She danced sensuously on hit B’wood numbers in ‘Nach Baliye’. She performed daredevil stunts in ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’, with equal grit. Now, Ridhi Dogra is back to fiction shows with a cameo in chartbuster show ‘Diya AurBaati’. We got a chance to chat up with the stunning actress, where she talks about playing a ‘Kabbadi’ team owner, life after ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ and her wonderful marriage with actor hubby Raqesh Vashisth.Read on the Times TV Exclusive-

Did Nach Baliye judge Shilpa Shetty inspire you while portraying the character of a 'Kabbadi Team' owner, in 'Diya Aur Baati'?
She was the obvious choice. She is an entrepreneur and possesses certain calm and confidence which I tried to use for my character who owns a Kabbadi team. Her body language has helped me to become ‘Aditi Kashyap’.
Tell us about your role as 'Aditi Kashyap'.
Aditi is a Kabbadi team owner and professionally driven woman. There is lot of clarity with which she approaches things. She is also a very cut-throat person. If she doesn’t like what you are saying she will simply walk out! Like most entrepreneurs, she doesn’t like to Ghuma Phira Ke baat karna. I wanted Aditi to look real, at the same time different from the other cast. So instead of wearing regular sarees, you will see her in Indo-Western attires like Dhotis teamed up with stylish kurtis. Aditi has just started out in the show. As the story unfolds, the character will develop different shades.

Who is your favourite character in the show “Diya Aur Baati”?
The character which caught my attention was of ‘Bhabho’s’! It’s a very strong character and has various aspects to it.
If given a chance, which sports/team you would love to get involved in?
If dancing was a sport, I would have definitely got involved in it. But since that is not an option, I will go for football. I am a soccer fan. Brazil and Italy are my favourite teams. Whenever I and Raqesh get a chance, we watch a game of soccer. Surprisingly, both of us are not into cricket that much!
Are you a sports person in real life?
Yes, I am a very sporty and outdoor person. I love swimming, dancing and jogging. Before I started this interview, I was finishing my work out. I must do some or the other kind of outdoor activity every day. It’s an integral part of my life. I am an agile person and love to do things which involve certain activity.
Is it difficult to establish a cameo role in long running show like “Diya Aur Baati”?
It is a huge challenge and that’s the beauty of it! My last cameo as ‘Supriya’ in ‘Lagi Tujhse Lagan’ was well received by the viewers. The challenge to enter no.1 show such as ‘Diya Aur Baati’ and make my character stand out was the reason I accepted the role in the first place. I am an actor who needs to be challenged to bring out the best in me.

Do you think reality shows have become essential in television actor's repertoire?
Not necessarily! There are many great TV actors before us who didn’t have reality show culture to reach the stage where they are today. For today’s actors, reality shows mean just branching out in something they are already doing. I am a real person who doesn’t need reality shows to tell people about the real side of me. I participate in reality shows for self learning. The reasons I did ‘Nach Baliye’ because I love dancing and ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ gave me a chance to do ‘adventure sports’ in South Africa for a month and also got paid for it! (laughs)
How participating in 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' helped you as a person?
‘KKK’ came at the right time in my life when I was contemplating of my next goal. I went for it just to experience adventure. I returned with good experience and new friends. I came back calmer and with clearer vision of what I want to do next in life.
READ: Ridhi's transformation after 'Khatron Ke Khiladi'.
What's your take on NachBaliye's new format?
Besides dance, ‘Nach Baliye’ was more about the celebrity couple participating in it. So it is natural that the people want to see their favourite celebrity’s personal life too.
Who are your favourite jodis in the show?
My good friends – Rashmi- Nandish and Himanshu-Amrita are participating in it. I watched few starting episodes. Rashmi and Nandish are adorable while I know Himanshu since my Delhi days. I wish that the best among them may win the title.
After 'Maryada', when can we see you and Rakesh acting together?
Both of us are waiting for the good script and role which can bring us together on-screen, but frankly nothing exciting has come our way so far.
How you will describe your marriage with Rakesh?
A short question with a long answer indeed! I don’t know how to describe the journey so far. I can simply say that our Karmic connection is what brought us together. We are different as chalk and cheese but at the same time we can’t do without each other.
WATCH Ridhi and Raqesh sizzle in 'Nach Baliye 6'.
What type of TV shows you would like to do in future?
I prefer to go with the ebb and flow rather than planning anything. I won’t do TV if I won’t get anything that will stimulate me as an actor. I would rather divert my creativity into other areas such as theatre, screen play writing or films.
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