I got success late but my career choices were right: Rati Pandey

Rati Pandey is back on television. After hit shows such as Miley Jab Hum Tum, Hitler Didi and Begusarai, she is now looking forward to her first historical show, Porus. Rati signed the contract for the show nine months ago and did feel a bit anxious while waiting for the shooting to begin. She says, “As I play a warrior, I had to learn horse riding and sword fighting. We shot for the show in far-flung locations, in places where there was no electricity, no network for days, and also shot in the rain and the hot sun. I am bruised all over due to the stunts and costume. Being an actor is not just about acting as it is not just physically but mentally exhausting too. Your stamina and mental strength are a much-needed requirement due to the demands of the job.” Awaiting her big-budgeted show, Rati says she doesn’t believe in TRP’s. “Small budget shows get a lot of love from the audience and many in the past have become the number one show. You can never predict which show will work with the audience. Though our show is a bigbudget one, there is never any guarantee. Other bigbudget shows in the past have not worked on TV. I can only talk about the story, performances and characters of my show, which will stand out.”

Having been an actor since 13 years, Rati had taken a sabbatical after Hitler Didi ended in 2013. “I took a sabbatical for three years which was much needed. With TV, there are times when you are ready to work, but don’t get the kind of work you want. That can be a bit frustrating. In my life, everything is sudden and little late but it is always spectacular. I believe in karma and whatever God gives me will be the best for me. I feel the shows I choose and the choices I made have been the right ones. I might have got less popularity or even got it late in my career, but all my shows have been special.”

Being an actor is not just about acting as it is not just physically but mentally exhausting too. RATI PANDEY, ACTOR