EXCLUSIVE: “I was lucky to get spotted by Ekta Ma’am,” says Radhika Madan of 'Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi'

The chirpy and shy Ishani aka Radhika Madan reveals how acting happened to her all of a sudden. In an exclusive interaction with Pinkvilla.com, Radhika tells us about how blessed she is for not having to struggle a bit before her first show ‘Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi’ happened. Read on:

How did you bag the role of Ishani?

It all happened very suddenly. I was a dance instructor and during a musical show Ekta Ma’am had spotted me. I got a call from her then and without any audition, I was directly called for the screen test. And that’s how I bagged Ishani’s role.

So you feel lucky?

Definitely! So many youngsters struggle to survive in the industry. I didn't have to struggle at all. While I didn't knock any door, I didn't audition; I didn't even want to become an actor. It all happened suddenly.

What did you want to be?

I wanted to be a star. I wanted to become a dancing star but didn't think I would become an actor. But I love glamour so, now I am happy. I am also pursuing my studies alongside. I am doing my B.Com through correspondence.

When did you start learning dance?

When I was in eighth standard, I have been dancing since then. I love to dance. Dance has been my life all this while. Then I became a dance instructor. I have learnt jazz, hip-hop, ballet and many other forms.

Are you interested in dance reality shows?

Obviously! A show like ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ would be great. As I love dancing, I would love to participate in a dance reality show.

Dance or acting – Which one do you love more?

Both are different field. Dance has been my passion since childhood and I have just started acting. I was hesitant before taking up ‘MATSH’, because I had to leave dancing. Later everybody convinced me that things would be alright as such opportunities don’t come along always.

How are Shakti Arora and Gauri Pradhan as co-stars?

Shakti is great fun to work with. Right now we have some close moment scenes but we laugh so much, the set boys find it difficult to shoot the scenes. Even the comic scenes are way funnier off-set. And Gauri ma’am is an inspiration. She is brilliant and so experienced, I learn a lot from her.

How different are you from your character Ishani?

I am total opposite of what Ishani is. I love to go out. I can go out shopping with myself. I love to do things alone. I spend a lot of time with myself.

Short Takes:

Fitness Regime:

Earlier I used to dance. Now I train on treadmill. Wake up early and train for a few hours.

Favourite food:

I love food. I can hog on food! I love all kinds of chat-pata and junk food like bhelpuri, panipuri, anything spicy!

Recent purchase:

With my first salary, I bought a Louis Vuitton bag. I love Jimmy Choo as well.

Anything apart from dance that you love:

I had interest in guitar and love to strum the strings sometimes.