EXCLUSIVE: I signed ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’ only after speaking to half of the people in the production house - Ridhi Dogra

Ridhi Dogra is back in action as a cameo in the new track of Shashi Sumeet Mittal's 'Diya Aur Baati Hum' which begins today onwards. The actress shared tidbits about her role and much more during a recent conversation with Pinkvilla.com. Excerpts:

Why did you choose to do the cameo in ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’? And why only ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’?

The reason I did it because it is ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’ and also my character is radically different from others in the show. Moreover, at regular intervals, the makers of DABH introduce interesting twists in the story. They do a story which is totally dependent on the new actors/cameos they present in the series.
So I knew that whenever I work as a cameo, it will be with a team that will do justice to my role. And, I signed it (DABH) only after speaking to half of the people in the production house (laughs). They convinced me that they will do a good job with my role as they have done with other cameos in the past.

What character are you playing in the show?

I am playing an entrepreneur – an owner of Kabaddi team. My character is different from how other people are in the show. Unlike other characters in the show, my character will not be carrying any emotional baggage.

I have always been wearing the same clothes in other shows I have done because if you are playing a protagonist you are supposed to sport a particular look. But in DABH, I got a chance to dress up differently.
It is very important for actors because people should see the actors in a different avatar and the industry gets to know we are capable of doing different work. You have to choose whatever chance you get for showing your versatility. And that’s what helps an actor in the long run.

Your look for the show seems very interesting. How did that happen?

I told them let’s do something different with my look; not just the same old saree and suit look. The production people were okay with my request. So I began doing the look test by wearing coloured contact lenses, doing a new hair style. It was all my idea. I decided to put together a novel look because as a cameo, I wanted my look to have some value attached to it.

Please share some more details of the character you are going to essay.

She is going to help Suraj (Anas Rashid) change his identity and become a successful man. As the story develops, the character will get evolved.

For how long will you be working in the show?

My contract is for 2 months. But if I enjoy doing it and if they want to extend, then we will.

What equation have you developed with your co-actors Deepika Singh, Anas Rashid and others on the set?

I have known Deepika from the time she started doing DABH. Raqesh (Vashisth) and I met her during ‘Star Parivaar Awards’ in those days. She was new in the industry and excited. She has been always very nice to us every time she has met us. I don’t have any scene in DABH at all because my track involves working with Anas. However, I bumped into her recently and it was nice catching up.
Anas is pretty nice to work with and he knows his character like the back of his hand. I know the director of the show very well. He was the assistant director of Raqesh’s debut film ‘Tum Bin’. He has directed me in ‘Savitri’ and ‘Maryada’ as well. So, he is like more of a friend to me. Other actors on the set are also very calm and composed. It is nice to work with a good team.