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Radhika Pandit: I don't work for an award
In the short span of less than four years, Radhika Pandit has climbed up the ladder of success and is today not only considered a good actor, but also a bankable star.
Alemaari (meaning nomad or vagabond) is hitting the screens today nearly 10 months after her last outing Hudugaru (a remake of Tamil hit Nadodigal) which ran successfully at the box-office.
In this interview with Srikanth Srinivasa, Radhika Pandit talks about her forthcoming releases and Alemaari.
What is Alemaari all about?
As the tagline of the movie suggests, it is a journey to dreamland in search of dreams.
As the title suggests, the protagonist is a wanderer or a nomad. The film talks about the search that everyone undergoes. All of us are in search of something or the other, be it dreams or success.
'It has been a pretty decent journey in Kannada films'
Why did it take so long for this film to release?
All the projects that I am part of get delayed for reasons beyond my control!
Adhoori and Sagar took a long time to complete. Nevertheless, I now have back-to-back releases lined up in the coming months.
I just completed Breaking News, and Alemaari is releasing this week. All my pending projects are complete now and so you will now get to see back-to-back releases of Radhika Pandit's movies.
How did you come to sign Alemaari?
When director Santhu came to narrate the script of this film, I really liked it. I was impressed by the story. I did have some doubts and misgivings about how the film would look on screen because it is a little experimental.
If the audience likes it, they will like it fully or they will not understand it at all.
What impressed me the most was that my role is a simple one and not complicated, but the last 20 minutes will make a difference.
The director said only I could do justice to the role. I was intrigued. I thought it would be a challenge to meet that expectation.
'I have to work harder to do better roles and better films'
What can audiences expect from Alemaari?
People can expect everything from the movie. It is a packed entertainer that caters to the classes and the mass alike.
It has a very classy story. Since we have Yogi in the movie, people can expect tapanguchi numbers, dances, fights, romance and emotions. It has everything.
How does it feel to win a state award right at the beginning of your career?
It is a wonderful feeling. I have been in the Kannada film industry for four years and I believe that it has been a pretty decent journey with a state award in my kitty.
An award, to me, means a bonus. It's not that an actor works for an award. I don't work for an award. But, when you get an award, it is encouraging and inspiring and reminds you that you need to do well.
Awards have helped me get into a zone where I have begun to think that I have to work harder to do better roles and better films.
'I have always believed in competing with myself'
Do you think it is an impediment to be cast in mostly city-centric roles?
From my very first movie I have been looking to work in different roles. I have been very lucky to play a teenager in Moggina Manasu, an IT professional in Love Guru, a tomboyish girl in Gaana Bajaana, a mentally disturbed girl in Krishnan Love Story and a caged girl in Olave Jeevana Lekhachaara. But, it was in the film Hudugaru that I got to play a village girl.
Many people complimented me for my performance while accepting my look in the movie. Though I don't get much screen space I am glad I made an impact for that's how an actor gains recognition.
What do you think are your key strengths as an actor?
Most of the films that I have been offered have been performance-oriented and not just to add glamour or colour. As an actor I need to adapt and there's no question of getting comfortable with a particular genre of films.
It's flattering to hear people say that I can do justice to whatever is offered to me.
What can the audience expect from your forthcoming films?
People can expect a lot of variety. This is the time when I can be put to the test. You are going to see me in a variety of characters. I have always believed in competing with myself to better myself.