Acting happened to her by fluke as business was what she was always interested in. But Rati Pandey is happy now that she is getting launched on Indian television in the lead role in Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai - Khel Lakeeron Ka on Zee TV. Rati finds the new show exciting and her coactors fun to be with on the sets.

Q: Tel us about the character you play.
A: Prarthana is a sober, simple and down to earth girl. She has lost her parents in her childhood and is brought up by her paternal uncle in a joint family. So she hopes that she gets married into a family that will love her a lot. A believer in arranged marriages, Prarthana is ready to tie the knot with just about anyone her uncle asks her to marry.

Q: And what about you in real life?
A: I'm a practical, fun-loving, bubbly and chirpy person, unlike Prarthana. The only common thing between us is that I too care for my family. But I do not believe in arranged marriages.

Q: So did you have problems portraying your character?
A: Yes, I did. It was so difficult in the beginning that I used to run to the director moaning 'how will I do this character?'. But now I'm totally at ease.

Q: How's your rapport with coactors Anchal and Amrita?
A: Oh, we share a good rapport with each other. I know Amrita personally, while I'm very good friends with Anchal. We have become working buddies now (laughs). We come to the shoot together and even share our food.

Q: What makes you think this show will work?
A: This show will be able to cater to all kinds of audiences. It is a story of three girls who are different from each other. Thus, people from all ages and classes will identify with them.

Q: Don't you think that the 11 pm slot will adversely affect the ratings?
A: Yes, we were worried about the timings. At present, we are targeting the metros only so it is a convenient time. Moreover, the repeat telecast is at 11.30 am the next day, so the small town audiences can watch the show then.

Q: How did this role fall into your kitty?
A: By fluke! I was not interested in doing the character since it is very different from who I am, but somehow things worked out.

Q: What other acting assignments have you done?
A: I have done two films down south. Actually, my debut television show is Deepti Bhatnagar's Shaadi Street, which will be aired later this year. Har Ghar can be called my major launching pad.

Q: Can it be said that acting was on the cards for you?
A: No. I was always interested in business since I have studied commerce. I came to Mumbai to try my luck and somehow Ajay Sinha saw my pictures and called me for the auditions. Unfortunately, the project got shelved but I stayed back and tried in other production houses. Within 15 days I started getting offers. So that is how it all began.

Q: What else interests you?
A: I am passionate about music and art.

Q: What about Bollywood?
A: Yes, why not? I would definitely want to work with good banners and in good films. I do not want to do 'C' or 'B'-grade films, though. -Mili Swarnakar