A man's honesty, integrity, self discipline impresses me: Preetika Rao
If given a choice what will you choose next- Bollywood or television and why?
When I was offered the best of Bollywood movies like ‘Jane Tu Jane Naa’, ‘Aashiqui 2’ and others... I chose to first complete my studies. Later I chose television because I was offered a prime time slot on a prime channel like Colors which is actually Bollywood's most popular channel. Several eminent names from Bollywood texted me saying that it was a very good move! Today television gives you great visibility, sustainability and a worldwide reach. However if I get a worthy offer from Bollywood today...I may take it up but without closing doors to television ofcourse!
Are you open to a show like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa or any reality show?
Reality shows are not my comfort zone personally. However they do give actors a great opportunity be known by their 'real' names and be seen in their true skin. Otherwise in television, most actors get limited to be remembered only by their onscreen names and characters they portray.
Besides the role, what else do you look for while accepting a show?
I generally see the entire package deal. The channel and the time-slot matters a lot and so does the plot of the story. In television, it's important to choose an interesting story because it should have a long -term viewership value. However I'm personally fond of short-series that don't turn- up into endless sagas.
Any serial that you have been catching during your break and liked?
Only Comedy Nights With Kapil, I’m a sucker for their humour. But there are a whole lot of things keeping me busy on the personal front. I have a wish list to finish before my next project starts!
The craziest thing you have done till date?
I did a stunt for my Telugu movie where I and the guy are shown falling from a terrace face to face holding each other. We did the fall from a height of 60 feet with a harness tied to our waist. It was tougher for me since I had to take the lead while falling and also fall backwards without seeing the landing.
The cheesiest pick up line you have come across by a man?
How come you glow in the dark? Do you have bath with radium?
Tell us something that annoys you (about men) and something that impresses you?
Men who indulge in impulsive bragging and boasting and throwing big names at the drop of a hat just to impress women. They eventually turn out to be empty-pots making noise. A man's honesty, integrity, self discipline and grooming definitely leaves me impressed.
Is there any one in the industry that you approach for suggestions regarding your career?
Just my sister Amrita (Rao). Her decade long career in Bollywood has taught me several lessons. It has taught me to be 'me' and to believe in my ethics and values, not to compromise on them in-order to climb the ladders of success or to sustain in the glamour industry. I have learnt to believe in destiny and be content in life.
The things you enjoy doing the most during a vacation?
If I don't want to leave my city then I love to explore new restaurants, catch-up with friends and cousins, join a yoga class and follow a set routine that keeps me active and healthy. Otherwise the best way to enjoy a vacation is to leave your city and travel in order to divert your mind and forget the daily chaos of life.
Would you accept a character that is completely opposite to Aaliya a character that audience loved you for?
Why not as long as it's a positive character? I would like try something different by portraying someone who is probably more vibrant, bubbly, edgy and adventurous. It's easy to get typecast in the role you play.
What would you like to say to Harshika/Zaya fans who are missing Beintehaa?
Well there are some on-screen pairings that end up becoming destiny's on-screen couple! And that's exactly what happened to Harshad Arora and me in Beintehaa. Zain and Aaliya soon become the Nation's favourite and won us the ITA Best Jodi award.
The only risk in so much 'couple adulation' is that the fans expect you to 'actually date' in real life too without understanding that you may be contrasting personalities in real!
Your favourite film featuring your sister Amrita and why?
It's 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' for which she won the Startdust Critic's choice Best Actress award. It's truly unbelievable how she played an illiterate village belle with a Bhojpuri dialect.
Your message to your fans who are eagerly waiting for your next project.
Post Beintehaa I am getting television offers almost everyday. But I don't want to land-up in a wrong television show in haste and get stuck for a year. I'm not being too choosy but at the same time evaluating sensibly. Right now...I'm working on something on the personal front which is keeping me on my toes! But I hope to come back with interesting stuff.
