Exclusive! I always feared becoming an actress as I could hardly have a personal life, says, Lakshmi Baramma's Keerthi aka Tanvi Rao

She is a rebel, she is chirpy, she is emotional. Wondering who? We are talking about none other than Lakshmi Baramma's Keerthi. Essayed by Tanvi Rao, little did the actress know that she would actually make a place in the hearts of viewers for her portrayal as Keerthi in Lakshmi Baramma. However, she says the blessings come in as a bonus despite playing a grey role in the show. In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Tanvi opened up about her initial thoughts before accepting Keerti's character, her love for acting, and much more.

I auditioned for Lakshmi's character. Since my eyes had a very light shade, the makers wanted me to use lenses. But, I did not agree as I had medical issues due to using lenses in my other project. So, that was my first interaction with the team. After that, they approached me for Keerthi's character again. I was given a brief description of the character and told that I will be madly in love with Vaishnav and go to any extent to win my love.

I was a little skeptical as I have never come across any such character in my life. I felt I would be giving a wrong message by playing Keerthi. So, I just left it there. Later, the writer of our show called and gave me an in-depth view of Keerthi. Then I was a little convinced. I completely trusted my writer and gave a nod to this character. I have no regrets about it. I like playing Keerthi.

Considering the ongoing track in Lakshmi Baramma, I thought many would hate Keerthi as she is hell-bent on winning Vaishnav despite being married to Lakshmi. But, it's the other way round. I am actually receiving a lot of praise for my portrayal of Keerthi in the show. Many indeed say they watch the show to see me perform. Winning laurels from the viewers besides playing a grey role came as a surprise. I was not expecting this kind of a response.

All the projects I have been a part of so far are very close to my heart. But, Lakshmi Baramma has given me exposure. I have got recognition with Lakshmi Baramma. The love, affection and the respect I have got for playing Keerthi is something that I have never got before in my acting career. Many even recognise me in public. There's a sudden rise in my career graph. All of it is really overwhelming and a blessing to me.

Oh! Playing Keerthi is tiring at times. She lives life to the extreme. If she is happy, she is the happiest. If she is angry, she shouts on top of her voice. Oh and don't forget her antics in the show. So, by the end of the day, I feel really tired. I am the one who leaves the sets really tired. By the time I reach home I just crash on my bed. Apart from that, there is nothing like a mental toll.

Whatever has come my way has been unexpected. I never thought I'd be an actress but destiny brought me here. From my childhood, I always wanted to be a dancer-choreographer. It was my father's dream to see me become an actress. But, I always feared becoming an actress as I could hardly have a personal life. I am someone who keeps personal and professional life apart. I always felt it would be a different world if I became an actress. So, dance was my only love. Later, when I joined performing arts during graduation, that is when I started to develop interest in acting. I started doing plays and learned a lot. That's how my love towards acting began.

I have been a Madhuri Dixit fan since childhood. Not just me, even my father is a huge fan of Madhuri ma'am. I am extremely lucky to have got a chance to share screen space with her at a very young age. I was in my 9th grade when Gulaab Gang was shot. I was a newbie amidst many Bollywood giants in the movie. All I knew was that I had an opportunity to work with my idol. That was the only excitement running in my head. But, things changed when we shot for a dance segment.

Many noticed my dancing skills and I was placed right behind Madhuri ma'am in the song sequence. The song was choreographed by Saroj Khan ma'am. I was elated to be able to learn dance from the best. That day, when we were shooting for the song, everyone was present on the sets. Producer Anubhav Sinha also complimented me for my dance.

I became very close to everyone after this sequence. Everyone on the sets of Gulabi Gang started recognising me after the song sequence. It got me closer to the team. In fact, I have to share this, Juhi Chawla ma'am even watched all my dance performances from the past and complimented me. She was very friendly on the sets and personally asked me to give her a CD that has all my dance performances. She even saluted me after watching them. That felt very overwhelming.

Firstly! Who would have thought I would be getting a chance to work with Madhuri Dixit ma'am? It was a very fortunate moment for me. I will forever cherish the time I shot for Gulaab Gang. Madhuri ma'am has always been my idol and working with her was a next level excitement to me. There are a lot of things to learn from her. Especially discipline and professionalism. She would never delay arriving at work. If the shoot was scheduled at 7 am, Madhuri ma'am would be there at sharp 6:57 am. Also, she would make sure to give that perfect shot to avoid taking retakes as it would delay others' work. I was really inspired by everything about her. The professionalism I follow in my life is inspired by seeing Madhuri Dixit ma'am's discipline while working with her in Gulaab Gang. I have huge respect for her.

To me, life is an unexpected journey with many opportunities. I am very keen on selecting my work. Right now, I am enjoying playing Keerthi. I'm living every bit of her. The response I am receiving is also immense as well as unexpected. I am grateful for everything so far and will continue to do good work, entertain everyone and keep it going. That's it. I am feeling content right now.