I don't bank on big stars or banners: Radhika Pandit

She's never been one to cram too much into her work schedule, preferring to take life slow and steady. Which is perhaps why Radhika Pandit has been talking about the same projects for a long time now.
Her slow pace of work, though, is her own choice, says the actor, rubbishing rumours that her remuneration is deterring filmmakers from considering her. 'If you analyze my career graph, you will see that I'm slow at choosing projects.I like to do one film at a time. But sometimes, when projects get delayed for reasons beyond my control, I juggle more than one. Two of my current projects ' Adhuri and Sagar ' have been unduly delayed, intruding into my working space and forcing me to devote time to two other projects that I had committed to earlier at the same time,' says Radhika, who's got Alemari with Yogi and Breaking News with Ajay on her plate as well.
Her remuneration, she asserts, has nothing to do with the number of projects she does. 'I've been charging what I deserve. I believe I am worth every penny of it and if filmmakers think so too, they will pay me,' says Radhika, adding, 'Compared to heroes, female actors still get paid a lot less. I can't be charging the same amount I used to earn when I started my career. As we grow in popularity, we are within our rights to increase our price. I don't see anything wrong with that.' A quick look at her filmography also shows the actor's affinity for working with newbies. 'If I have a name today, it is not because I've worked with big banners or superstars. Except Huduguru, I've never worked with a big banner. I have never banked on a big banner or a star as I don't think such things will help boost my success rate. I will continue to work with newbies as long as the script and the director are good,' maintains Radhika.
Meanwhile, tell her about the new trend in Sandalwood of heroines doing raunchy item numbers and Radhika's quick to say that she would never do one. 'There's a difference between a dance number and an item number. The latter requires an actor to be dressed glamorously and involves heavy movements. I cannot see myself ever doing something like that. I don't need to. I have a track record of my own and I'm safe and happy here,' she signs off.
prathibha.joy@timesgroup.com