‘I THOUGHT ABOUT QUITTING’
Actor Ridhi Dogra says she feels the real struggle for an actor is to get quality work
Ridhi Dogra started her career in 2002 and has been part of seven TV shows including the hit show Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak? The actor is back on the tube with a new daily soap, after a hiatus of two years. She explains why it took her a while to take up a project and how she likes feeling unsure on the sets, as it means the role is new and exciting. I haven’t done a serial in a long time and that’s because I have been spoilt by the (makers of the) shows that I have done. Moreover, on TV you don’t have the liberty of choosing or asking for the script, beforehand. Maryada and Savitri pushed me to give my best. When I would shoot for the shows, I would be scared to go on sets as I had to do new things and unlearn too. This new role is exciting and it’s invigorating to take on a role, I haven’t played. The struggle for an actor is to find good roles after having done quality work. I went through that struggle. The past two-three years were a trying phase for me. I thought about quitting and wondered if I really want to be an actor or if I should take up another profession. I had existential issues. I began questioning what I was in it when you have really high hopes about roles you want and when you don’t get them, you begin doubting yourself. It is frustrating and you go through so many issues. Thankfully, I did a lot of ads and even a play, which helped me. These experiences and that period of frustration and struggle opened me up as an actor. I worked on myself. It is tough to wait. I did reiki and vipasana, which really grounded me. I am glad to be back to work after having the power of meditation. I feel whatever happens, happens for the best and the choices that you make, culminate into something. Every actor wants to work every day but sometimes, luck or destiny don’t favour you and things don’t work out. Today when I go to the sets, I feel different, (like) a changed person. The role in the show is very different and a bit scary. But, I am secure enough (as a person) to push the envelope.
Every actor wants to work every day but sometimes, luck or destiny don’t favour you... Today when I go to the sets, I feel different. RIDHI DOGRA, ACTOR