Nee Iralu Nanna Jothey fame Vidya Raj: Blessed to be getting good projects back-to-back

Actress Vidha Raj has bagged yet another television project within a short span after her previous show Puttakkana Makkalu concluded its successful run. The actress, who played the role of Sneha in the popular serial, is now seen in Nee Iralu Nanna Jothey, where she essays the character of Radha. Speaking to ETimes about joining the show midway, Vidha admitted that she was initially unsure about taking up the project. “Initially, I was skeptical because even Puttakkana Makkalu, I joined in between, and now this show also again in between. But the makers explained that this was like a part two and a fresh beginning altogether, which made me comfortable,” she shared. The actress further opened up about stepping into her new role and adapting to a different character soon after wrapping up her previous show. “I play Radha in this show. It is a beautiful character and there is so much to learn from it. I did take some time to fit into the shoes of the character because my previous show had just concluded. But now I’m settled and enjoying the process,” she said. Vidha also noted how Radha stands apart from the characters she has portrayed earlier. “I have played somewhat similar characters in most of the shows I’ve acted in, except Ramachaari, where I portrayed a negative shade. But Radha is quite unique in terms of her signature looks, expressions and gestures. It has been interesting exploring those nuances,” she explained. The actress says the love from audiences has been overwhelming, especially with viewers quickly accepting her in the new show. “People do recognise me a lot these days. From Puttakkana Makkalu to Nee Iralu Nanna Jothey, audiences have been watching my work consistently. Many people have already started recognising me for the new show too. There have been instances where viewers told me they are happy to see me in Nee Iralu Nanna Jothey and are excited to watch it,” Vidha said with a smile. Being a “new-age actress,” Vidha believes social media has become an indispensable part of an artiste’s journey today. “Social media plays a very important role in today’s world, especially for artistes. It helps us connect directly with audiences beyond television screens. Fans get to know our real personalities, our daily lives and our work updates through social media. It also helps us stay relevant and reach wider audiences. At the same time, I feel it comes with responsibility because people observe everything you do,” she noted. On the professional front, Vidha says she feels fortunate to have received opportunities back-to-back in her career. “I have always tried to give my best in every opportunity that comes my way. Luckily, I’ve been blessed with good projects one after another. I feel grateful that people in the industry trust me with meaningful roles. Every show has taught me something new and helped me grow both personally and professionally,” she shared. However, the actress admits that working in the entertainment industry comes with its own set of challenges. “The biggest challenge right now is balancing shifts and timings. Sometimes shoots extend for long hours and maintaining that work-life balance becomes difficult. It demands a lot of patience, discipline and physical energy. But when you genuinely love acting, you learn to adapt and keep going,” she said. Reflecting on her journey so far, Vidha turned emotional while speaking about her roots and achievements. “Well, I’m happy with life right now. Coming from a tiny village in Chamarajanagar and being able to make a name for myself in the industry feels surreal. I always dreamt of becoming an actress and today I’m living that dream. I’m also busy with a movie project alongside television, which makes me even more excited about what lies ahead,” she concluded.