I trust my instincts about the role and the people I’ll be working with: Rasika Dugal

Rasika Dugal recently visited Rajasthan for a project and took the opportunity to explore its historic beauty. Already enchanted by Rajasthan, she got to shoot in Mandawa, a heritage town in Jhunjhunu district known for its havelis. The town's architectural marvels prompted Rasika to take a day off from filming and turn tourist.

She shares, “I had visited Mandawa many years ago for a short ad shoot but didn’t get to explore then. This time, I unexpectedly had an evening off, so we made the most of it. We wandered around the main market, visited quaint shops — one had the most beautiful juttis, so I did my share of festive shopping. We also discovered a store with gorgeous antique laces. Handiwork has always held a special place in my heart. Later, we toured the Mandawa Fort with a guide full of interesting stories. It was wonderful to see how well these heritage sites are preserved. We ended the day with a warm cup of chai at the highest point of the fort, enjoying a stunning view of the town at sunset.”

Rasika Dugal

'The markets and monuments of Jaipur are the perfect mix of chaos and serenity'
Rasika also got to experience Jaipur as she wrapped up her shoot. “Jaipur is a beautiful, bustling city. The markets and monuments offer the perfect mix of chaos and serenity. Every corner has a story to tell. I love strolling through the markets without an agenda, and indulging in some pyaaz kachoris. This time, I stayed at a boutique homestay with green lawns and warm hospitality," she says.

'I find the long-format of series fascinating'
The actress, who debuted with Anwar in 2007, has appeared in numerous Bollywood films and is also active on television. When asked about the differences between the two mediums, she said, “Actors find it difficult to choose one format over the other because our approach remains the same, regardless. But I do find the long-form format of series fascinating. The extended timeline allows for depth, letting you explore the character and make adjustments along the way. It also allows for a true ensemble, where multiple tracks and characters can be well-developed. This has especially opened up opportunities for nuanced roles for women.”

'As an actor, vulnerability is key'
When selecting projects, Rasika relies on her instincts. “Creative collaborations are rare, and it’s essential to be open to the possibility that some might not work out. I trust my instincts about the role and the people I’ll be working with, including the director and co-actors. As an actor, vulnerability is key, so it’s important to work in an environment that respects that. We have little control over the overarching message of the story, so trusting the director’s sensitivity and vision is important.”

'Lucky to play versatile roles'
Rasika further adds, "I’ve been fortunate to experiment with varied characters, genres, and formats. My roles as Beena Tripathi in Mirzapur and Neeti Singh in Delhi Crime are vastly different, showcasing the range performers crave. There’s so much more to explore, which is exciting and keeps me eager to learn and grow. I’d love to try a fun comedy or a biopic next.