Known as Amrita Rao’s sister, Preetika rao is now aiming high for a place in the entertainment industry. She speaks to SANGEETA YADAV about her dream to become a film or fashion editor and her new show Beintehaa which will be replacing Bigg Boss on Colors from December 30
What is your show Beintehaa all aboutIJ
It’s the story of a Muslim girl Aaliya Gulam Hayder who is vibrant and tomboyish. For her, family and cousins are very important. But there is one person she doesn’t get along with — a man she has known since childhood. Circumstances get created where she ends up marrying him. What happens to her post marriage and how her life changes is what the serial is all about.
How much can you relate to AaliyaIJ
She is different from me. She is an introspective and composed personality. However, I find my vulnerable side in Aaliya.
Any special preps for the roleIJ
I watched many Pakistan TV shows and learnt a bit of Urdu, their culture and traditions. To cater to the Indian audience, the show is in layman’s Urdu. Also, I studied a lot about how to dress like a Muslim girl. I was actively involved in moulding Aaliya’s final look. Aaliya is very glamourous and yet the girl next door. She is alluring.
Does the show have a messageIJ
It’s all at a very initial stage and as the story will unfold, it may give out a social message. We are puppets in the hands of the scriptwriter. We’ll get moulded as the show progresses and as per the wishes of the audience.
Did you take any acting tips from your sister Amrita RaoIJ
I learnt like my sister did, by observing people around me. The industry is not new to me as I have been closely watching Amrita working in it for more than 10 years. like my sister, I want to work in this industry with dignity and grace. If she liked what was offered to her, she accepted it. If not, she just said no. She has her principles — of not taking any special privileges or knock a door to get a lead or a good role. What she has earned in this industry is by hard work and positive attitude.
Your sister made an entry into the entertainment world 12 years ago. What took you so long to debutIJ
I was fascinated by modeling, so I started off as a model. I did a few advertisements as well. I made my debut in December 2010 in the Tamil romantic film Chikku Bukku. Then I worked in Priyudu in 2011. last year, I decided to take a break and go abroad to study film journalism. I was also waiting for a good opportunity to make my debut. When I got the offer for Beintehaa, nothing could have been better than this break on TV. I’m prepared to pull off Aaliya’s role.
How is your writing career shaping upIJ
As a writer, my journey started long ago when I was working with South Side, a movie magazine in Chennai. I also contributed as a film journalist to Mumbai Mirror, Bangalore Mirror, Deccan Chronicle and Asian Age Mumbai. Now, I have no time to write. Writing as a profession is very demanding. I used to feel very frustrated when I failed to get celebrity interviews. I still remember that a very famous actor I approached for an interview refused point blank. But this has not dampened my passion for writing. I would love to see myself as a fashion or film editor 10 years from now.