JOIN US'I cannot think of being anyone else'
Actor Radhika Chetan has been seen on the big screen in exciting roles in films ‘RangiTaranga’ and ‘U Turn’. She has her fingers crossed and will be seen in a very different avatar in the upcoming film ‘BB5’. In a candid chat with Tini Sara Anien, the actor talks about her role and the movie.
What aspect of films excites you?
When I was working in theatre, I realised that I wanted to experiment more. This is when I auditioned for a teleserial. At the same time, I got a call from Anup Bhandari, the director of ‘RangiTaranga’, who asked me to attend the audition. I was excited and I chose to be a part of the movie. It was during the promotions of this film that I got a call for ‘U Turn’. Working with director-cum-story writer Pawan Kumar was on my bucket list. He had proved his talent with the film ‘Lucia’ and it was a great moment.
I love challenging myself. I have been seen in the thriller genre before, but I am consciously trying to do different roles. I know this is where I want to be.
How did ‘BB5’ happen?
Director Janardhan got my number from Nirup Bhandari, whom I had worked with previously. This is the director’s first film and when he narrated the story to me, I was throughly impressed. The role has various shades to it, which is something I haven’t done before. The film is a murder mystery and Poornachandra Mysore is the actor.
There are a lot of thriller movies coming out in Sandalwood. How will this movie stand out?
The way the movie has been executed should draw the audience to it. People can expect a lot of twists in ‘BB5’. One might think that something will happen, but something else might happen
instead.
Tell us a bit about your role...
There are some parts to the character that are very different from who I am in real life. I play the role of Kriti, a very bubbly and talkative student in ‘BB5’. I am thrilled that I could work on this role. Kriti is a fun-loving yet naughty person, energetic and full of life, someone who will go to any length to help people. I have played serious roles in the past and this was a welcome change.
Did you have to do any homework for the role?
Since I am silent by nature, I tried to learn the mannerisms of a talkative person. If a person is talkative, they talk very fast. I observed all those nuances by watching movies like ‘Jab We Met’. In the movie, I observed Kareena Kapoor Khan’s character. I didn’t want to come across as a duplicate of that, so I added my own touch to the role.
What does the film’s title mean?
‘BB5’ is a code word. I can’t say any more!
Tell us an interesting incident that happened on the set...
I fainted on the set. (Laughs) We were shooting in the wee hours of the morning. I twisted my ankle and blanked out. I hadn’t had my breakfast. In my entire life, I hadn’t ever fainted and this was new to me. The entire set waited for me and everyone was very supportive. I came back in a couple of hours and continued the shoot.
Any other projects coming up?
I have signed another movie which is yet to be titled. It will be directed by T N Seetharam and will have Raghu Mukherjee and Samyukta Hornad in it.
If not an actor, what would you have been?
I cannot think of being anyone else now. Maybe a yoga trainer.
At closequarters
Radhika Chetan studied information science engineering at Vidya Vikas College, Mysuru. She worked as a software engineer till ‘RangiTaranga’ happened. She has also acted in short films and been active in the theatre circle. The actor is trained in kathak and also has a diploma in yoga therapy.