Queen of hearts

Back after a long gap, Dhrashti Dhami talks about “Ek Tha Raja Ek Tha Rani”

July 29, 2015 08:45 pm | Updated 08:55 pm IST

Dhrasti Dhami

Dhrasti Dhami

A classic face with a contemporary attitude. That is Dhrashti Dhami for you. Many of us still remember her as Madhubala of the eponymous serial and the rest will recall how she set the stage on fire in Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa. When Drashti was on song many felt that it is just a matter of time when she will be playing a lead in Hindi feature film. That was not to be for Drashti got married and took a break. Desirous of essaying roles like the ones in Fashion , Tanu Weds Manu and Queen , Drashthi is back now and is playing her version of “rani” on Zee TV’s Ek That Raja Ek Thi Rani (ETRETR). .

Her effervescence and grace was on show during a dramatic enactment with male lead Siddhant Karnick at the launch of the serial last week. Described as a period romance set in 1942, the story revolves around Gayatri (Dhrashti), daughter of a money lender, who falls in love with a prince Rana Indravardan Singh Deo, essayed by Siddhant. Her charm comes across as a perfect foil to the latter’s sombre, reserved and regal ways. The love saga is set against the backdrop of the insecurities and the mysteries that shroud the Indian royalty.

Terming her hiatus as a welcome and a must break , Dhrashti is absolutely upfront as to why she chose ETRETR to mark her return. “I will be forthright. No actor would have refused this role. I genuinely feel the character I play is very different from the usual ones the audience gets to see. I was thrilled about it from the moment I heard the concept.” In fact she goes on to point out that the pre-Independence saga encompassing all the opulence and grandeur which goes with royalty – the vintage cars, haute designers, spectacular jewellery, the palace interiors, the dresses, costumes, etc – enraptured her.

Hailing from a Gujarati family which had nothing to do with entertainment industry, Dhrashti reveals that performing comes quite naturally to her. Enjoying playing Gayatri so far she has not faced any particular difficulty. “I am savouring every moment and bit of the role and making a conscious and conscientious effort in shaping the character of this 21-year-old girl. Keeping in mind the period and the background I am endeavouring to use the correct diction and demeanour .”

She specifies that the sets, props, costumes, dresses, jewellery, hair-do and make-up have been used keeping in mind the era. “They have helped immensely in making the episodes look authentic, real and engaging.” She generously congratulates the excellent work and help rendered by the entire team. “The parts I have shot so far pertain to the common man’s space and I am yet to move to the palace. I will take it as it comes when I shoot those scenes.”

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