She captured several hearts as the valiant Jhansi ki Rani on Zee. Though she began her career with Zee’s Saat Phere it was as the younger Manu she became a household name. TellyChakkar caught up with the little star who just exited the show to know what she has been up to post Jhansi ki Rani…
Your stint with Jhansi ki Rani has made you extremely popular though this is not your first show?
Yes, soon after completing Saat Phere I was offered Jhansi ki Rani. I enjoyed doing it. It has made me popular and I am very happy. I got to learn horse riding and I performed all stunts on my own. I got to learn so much. I miss being a part of the show.
How has the whole Jhansi ki Rani experience been for you?
The experience has been very nice. I thought I was living the role completely. I believed I am Jhansi ki Rani. I learnt horse riding; I made friends like Indu and Prachi. I loved being part of the show.
Any memorable moments your recollect?
The last day of the shooting was a memorable one for me. I woke up with the thought that I would not let anyone know that it is my last day of the shoot and I will be strong. But the production team had arranged for a farewell party for me and forced me to cut a cake. That is when everyone realised that it was indeed my last day. Everyone got emotional and I could not control myself and started crying.
How was your rapport with your co-stars?
Everyone on the set was very sweet. They appreciated me a lot for my role. I found friends like Indu and Prachi who are younger to me. Now my co-stars call me and tell me they miss me. We had a group that comprised of my baba, Tatya Tope and me. It was great fun working with them. They gave me a lot of affection and love.
You have performed most of the stunts yourself. Weren’t you afraid of being hurt? We heard you recently fell off from a horse while shooting for a sequence?
Never! I wanted the character to be strong. I didn’t want to use a stunt person for the stunts. I performed all my stunts myself. If you have the will to do it you can also be careful while performing them. I used to get hurt but then it’s a part of the show.
Yes, I did fall down and since the area was very rocky I did get hurt and had to be rushed to the hospital. I was injected and given treatment and now am all fine (smiles).
The show has now taken a leap and Krratika is the new Rani. Do you think people will accept her and continue watching the show?
I left because I am in class 9 and have to concentrate on my education. I haven’t got a chance to watch the show but I feel people should give her a chance. I want her to become as popular as me. I want the show to reach greater heights because most importantly I love the show. I hope she does well too (smiles).
What do you miss the most about the show?
I miss my role, my horses and the atmosphere more importantly. The popularity that the role has given me is something that has touched me so much. People still come to me and tell me they have stopped watching the show because I am not a part of it, kids love me so much. It feels great.
What’s next in store for Ulka?
I am getting a lot of offers but I want to concentrate on my studies. I am also going to be performing at an awards function. I am going to Delhi for the National Awards.
Thu Jun 10, 2010 5:07 pm