Actor Radhika Chetan quit a cushy job in the corporate world to plunge full-time into her passion — the stage and cinema. The 'RangiTaranga' actor says she has not regretted the decision one bit. She says her launch vehicle, 'RangiTaranga', not only opened a number of possibilities for her but also gave her a feel of what cinema comprised. She is now portraying the role of a tough CBI officer in her next film which, she says, is just as challenging as her first film. In an interview with Nina C George, Radhika talks about what keeps her going.
Your journey from a software professional to an actor...
I have been inclined towards the arts right from childhood. My father always insisted that I must have a strong grounding in education. So I completed engineering in information science and pursued my passion for dance and theatre even while I was working. One fine day, I decided to quit my job and pursue arts full time. The journey hasn't been easy but it has definitely been rewarding. Working in the corporate setup has taught me professionalism and integrity.
What was your first time on stage like?
I started out with theatre and it was indeed an electrifying experience. I felt I belonged there. The high energy level of the co-actors was contagious and I felt an instant connection with the stage, the actors and the audience.
How did 'RangiTaranga' change your life?
The response to 'RangiTaranga' was overwhelming. It will always remain special to me. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the character of Indu. I must thank those who enjoyed watching the film and supported it. It has allowed me to pursue what I love most.
Why do you think the arts are your true calling?
I got to work in a company that had some employee-friendly schemes yet I felt a void inside. That's when I decided I had to take the plunge into the field of arts and I haven't regretted my decision.
What's your next project?
My next project is called 'BB5' in which I essay a role with different shades. It is a charming, fun-loving character. In another project titled 'Never End', I play a rough and tough CBI officer.
What, according to you, is the primary difference between stage and cinema?
Cinema is a director's medium while the stage is an actor's. There are many rehearsals preceding a play, and usually more than one show, which help an actor hone his or her skill. But in cinema, once you have done your job, there is no way you can change it. That way, cinema is quite challenging.
What kind of films would you like to work on?
I would like to work on a plethora of films that challenge me as an actor. The script and my role should excite me.
How do you handle criticism and failure?
I take them in my stride and work hard to get better. Failure is a part of everyone's journey and I don't think one can truly appreciate success if they haven't experienced failure.
What keeps you busy when you are not shooting?
I like travelling and meeting people. I also devote much time to reading and dancing.
We hear you are a kathak dancer...
I've learnt kathak from Nirupama Rajendra and T D Rajendra, and performed with them across the country. I owe much of my acting and artistic skills to my teachers. Due to time constraints, I haven't been able to focus on kathak but I hope to get back to it someday.
![]( "ambitious Radhika Chetan")
Actor Radhika Chetan quit a cushy job in the corporate world to plunge full-time into her passion — the stage and cinema. The 'RangiTaranga’ actor says she has not regretted the decision one bit. She says her launch vehicle, 'RangiTaranga’, not only opened a number of possibilities for her but also gave her a feel of what cinema comprised. She is now portraying the role of a tough CBI officer in her next film which, she says, is just as challenging as her first film. In an interview with Nina C George, Radhika talks about what keeps her going.
Your journey from a software professional to an actor...
I have been inclined towards the arts right from childhood. My father always insisted that I must have a strong grounding in education. So I completed engineering in information science and pursued my passion for dance and theatre even while I was working. One fine day, I decided to quit my job and pursue arts full time. The journey hasn’t been easy but it has definitely been rewarding. Working in the corporate setup has taught me professionalism and integrity.
What was your first time on stage like?
I started out with theatre and it was indeed an electrifying experience. I felt I belonged there. The high energy level of the co-actors was contagious and I felt an instant connection with the stage, the actors and the audience.
How did 'RangiTaranga’ change your life?
The response to 'RangiTaranga’ was overwhelming. It will always remain special to me. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the character of Indu. I must thank those who enjoyed watching the film and supported it. It has allowed me to pursue what I love most.
Why do you think the arts are your true calling?
I got to work in a company that had some employee-friendly schemes yet I felt a void inside. That’s when I decided I had to take the plunge into the field of arts and I haven’t regretted my decision.
What’s your next project?
My next project is called 'BB5’ in which I essay a role with different shades. It is a charming, fun-loving character. In another project titled 'Never End’, I play a rough and tough CBI officer.
What, according to you, is the primary difference between stage and cinema?
Cinema is a director’s medium while the stage is an actor’s. There are many rehearsals preceding a play, and usually more than one show, which help an actor hone his or her skill. But in cinema, once you have done your job, there is no way you can change it. That way, cinema is quite challenging.
What kind of films would you like to work on?
I would like to work on a plethora of films that challenge me as an actor. The script and my role should excite me.
How do you handle criticism and failure?
I take them in my stride and work hard to get better. Failure is a part of everyone’s journey and I don’t think one can truly appreciate success if they haven’t experienced failure.
What keeps you busy when you are not shooting?
I like travelling and meeting people. I also devote much time to reading and dancing.
We hear you are a kathak dancer...
I’ve learnt kathak from Nirupama Rajendra and T D Rajendra, and performed with them across the country. I owe much of my acting and artistic skills to my teachers. Due to time constraints, I haven’t been able to focus on kathak but I hope to get back to it someday.
Your journey from a software professional to an actor...
I have been inclined towards the arts right from childhood. My father always insisted that I must have a strong grounding in education. So I completed engineering in information science and pursued my passion for dance and theatre even while I was working. One fine day, I decided to quit my job and pursue arts full time. The journey hasn't been easy but it has definitely been rewarding. Working in the corporate setup has taught me professionalism and integrity.
What was your first time on stage like?
I started out with theatre and it was indeed an electrifying experience. I felt I belonged there. The high energy level of the co-actors was contagious and I felt an instant connection with the stage, the actors and the audience.
How did 'RangiTaranga' change your life?
The response to 'RangiTaranga' was overwhelming. It will always remain special to me. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the character of Indu. I must thank those who enjoyed watching the film and supported it. It has allowed me to pursue what I love most.
Why do you think the arts are your true calling?
I got to work in a company that had some employee-friendly schemes yet I felt a void inside. That's when I decided I had to take the plunge into the field of arts and I haven't regretted my decision.
What's your next project?
My next project is called 'BB5' in which I essay a role with different shades. It is a charming, fun-loving character. In another project titled 'Never End', I play a rough and tough CBI officer.
What, according to you, is the primary difference between stage and cinema?
Cinema is a director's medium while the stage is an actor's. There are many rehearsals preceding a play, and usually more than one show, which help an actor hone his or her skill. But in cinema, once you have done your job, there is no way you can change it. That way, cinema is quite challenging.
What kind of films would you like to work on?
I would like to work on a plethora of films that challenge me as an actor. The script and my role should excite me.
How do you handle criticism and failure?
I take them in my stride and work hard to get better. Failure is a part of everyone's journey and I don't think one can truly appreciate success if they haven't experienced failure.
What keeps you busy when you are not shooting?
I like travelling and meeting people. I also devote much time to reading and dancing.
We hear you are a kathak dancer...
I've learnt kathak from Nirupama Rajendra and T D Rajendra, and performed with them across the country. I owe much of my acting and artistic skills to my teachers. Due to time constraints, I haven't been able to focus on kathak but I hope to get back to it someday.
Actor Radhika Chetan quit a cushy job in the corporate world to plunge full-time into her passion — the stage and cinema. The 'RangiTaranga’ actor says she has not regretted the decision one bit. She says her launch vehicle, 'RangiTaranga’, not only opened a number of possibilities for her but also gave her a feel of what cinema comprised. She is now portraying the role of a tough CBI officer in her next film which, she says, is just as challenging as her first film. In an interview with Nina C George, Radhika talks about what keeps her going. Your journey from a software professional to an actor...
I have been inclined towards the arts right from childhood. My father always insisted that I must have a strong grounding in education. So I completed engineering in information science and pursued my passion for dance and theatre even while I was working. One fine day, I decided to quit my job and pursue arts full time. The journey hasn’t been easy but it has definitely been rewarding. Working in the corporate setup has taught me professionalism and integrity.
What was your first time on stage like?
I started out with theatre and it was indeed an electrifying experience. I felt I belonged there. The high energy level of the co-actors was contagious and I felt an instant connection with the stage, the actors and the audience.
How did 'RangiTaranga’ change your life?
The response to 'RangiTaranga’ was overwhelming. It will always remain special to me. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the character of Indu. I must thank those who enjoyed watching the film and supported it. It has allowed me to pursue what I love most.
Why do you think the arts are your true calling?
I got to work in a company that had some employee-friendly schemes yet I felt a void inside. That’s when I decided I had to take the plunge into the field of arts and I haven’t regretted my decision.
What’s your next project?
My next project is called 'BB5’ in which I essay a role with different shades. It is a charming, fun-loving character. In another project titled 'Never End’, I play a rough and tough CBI officer.
What, according to you, is the primary difference between stage and cinema?
Cinema is a director’s medium while the stage is an actor’s. There are many rehearsals preceding a play, and usually more than one show, which help an actor hone his or her skill. But in cinema, once you have done your job, there is no way you can change it. That way, cinema is quite challenging.
What kind of films would you like to work on?
I would like to work on a plethora of films that challenge me as an actor. The script and my role should excite me.
How do you handle criticism and failure?
I take them in my stride and work hard to get better. Failure is a part of everyone’s journey and I don’t think one can truly appreciate success if they haven’t experienced failure.
What keeps you busy when you are not shooting?
I like travelling and meeting people. I also devote much time to reading and dancing.
We hear you are a kathak dancer...
I’ve learnt kathak from Nirupama Rajendra and T D Rajendra, and performed with them across the country. I owe much of my acting and artistic skills to my teachers. Due to time constraints, I haven’t been able to focus on kathak but I hope to get back to it someday.