Riddhi Kumar, who made a debut in Telugu with Raj Tarun's 'Lover' in 2018, has a sportswoman's role in 'Radhe Shyam', which hits the cinemas on March 11. In this interview, the actress talks about working with Prabhas, her character in the film, her future projects, and more.
Right from childhood, I have been attracted to cinema and glamour. As I grew up, I started analyzing craft and art. I now know why I want to be in films after all these years. I completed BA in Philosophy at a college in Pune. My father is an army officer. I have lived in several places across the country. I have been a dance teacher, event manager, anchor, model and other things! My career started when I was 14. Acting is my biggest passion.
In 'Radhe Shyam', I have played a role that is like a trigger point. I can't reveal much about it. She is a fierce, independent character that every woman would be proud to watch. I have played an archer. She always wants to do sports.
As you all know, 'RS' is a love story in the main. Prabhas sir's character is a palmist who makes a prediction about my character. I can't reveal much without giving away spoilers.
I had to learn archery for this movie. It was not easy at all. I had to start playing sports for this role.
UV Creations is an incredible production house. I never had to ask for anything. I never had any complaints. It's a disciplined banner. As for Prabhas sir, he is the Darling of everyone. After meeting him, I understood why he is called a darling. He makes you feel at home. He is so humble and lovely.
We were shooting in Italy where I and Prabhas sir have a scene together. He came to me and told me to take my time before giving the shot. To be able to be yourself and portray your craft in your own way felt great. He told me he liked my performance. My scenes are with Prabhas sir. With Pooja Hegde, I have got just a shot.
In the current generation, Prabhas sir is the biggest star there is in every language. I got to chat with him about food and other things.
Director Radha Krishna Kumar sir has told an out-of-the-world and surreal visual experience. The narration had to sound realistic and it was not easy to write the film. I have played an achievement-oriented woman who is focused more than angry. I don't believe in astrological predictions personally.
I am a little nervous about how people are going to receive my performance. When I told my mom about bagging this film, she was really surprised that I had bagged a Prabhas movie. She came on set the next day and felt very happy. My parents are proud of me but they want me to be as grounded as I can. They don't want this to go to my head.
There are many incredible actors here: Jr NTR, Ram Charan, Allu Arjun, Vijay Deverakonda. I have done three movies before this, including an Amazon Prime web series (it's about the journey of five students and their struggles). It will be released soon. I am currently doing a film with Kajol ma'am in Hindi. It is a film under Revathi ma'am direction. I am playing a daughter in it. I love characters that have a graph of self-actualization. My dream role would be fun characters. I also want to play a detective/cop.
