Radhika Madan made a wonderful debut with Vishal Bharadwaj’s Pataakha (2018), followed by a power-packed performance in Vasan Bala’s Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2018). Her third film, Angrezi Medium, released in the week the lockdown was announced. But instead of getting disheartened by the film’s short run in the theatres, the actor is looking at the positives, like the time she got to learn to play the piano. She even came up with a rendition of the song, Lag Ja Gale, with singer Jasleen Royal.
Q\What made you learn the piano?
A\I have always wanted to learn it. I kept talking about it. When the lockdown happened, I realised I have all the time in the world right now. It was time to practise what I preached. I was just posting a few pictures with the piano when Jasleen messaged me asking why not do something [together]. She wanted to learn the accordion. Then, we thought of collaborating for Lag Ja Gale, [which] is one of my favourites; hers too.
Q\You have already had three releases in less than two years. How do you see your journey so far?
A\It has been beautiful. I have got the opportunity to play quite a few characters. They have all been very different from each other. I also feel very fortunate to have worked with really amazing people in such a short time. I try and imbibe everything that I can from each person I work with.
Q\But has it been easy to find the kind of work you want to do?
A\I do not have any complaints. If I learn of a project that I think I could be a part of, I chase the people associated with it to let me audition for it. I do not beg or ask to get the role. I just ask for a chance to audition. And I do not mind doing it.
Q\The recent death of Sushant Singh Rajput has sparked many debates in Bollywood. One of them is how actors who transition from TV to films are not taken seriously. Since you have made this transition, do you think that is true?
A\Of course this was the case. Sushant, in fact, inspired many of us to take that leap into films. He paved that path for us. But when I was transitioning, I often tried to get to the roots of why it has been like that and why people think like that. Maybe one needs to perform for television in a certain way and project a bit more when compared with movies, [which is subtler]. But as actors, you understand those differences.