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In Bed With Ishita Raj: “If I’m wrong, I’ll erase the hurt”
The actor talks about being compared to Zeenat Aman, being really emotional, and living in a 3BHK by herself in Mumbai
Ishita Raj states that God has a plan for her. “I believe this because of how my journey in the film industry shaped up. I’m a hardcore Delhi girl from a business family, with not even a semblance of contact to the film industry,” she says. Ishita feels she may have manifested acting. A casting director spotted her with a friend which led to a call for an audition. Within a week, she was signed by producer Kumar Mangat and director Luv Ranjan for Pyaar Ka Punchnama.
Ishita is particularly pleased that she’s been able to survive in this industry. “It is not easy to make a mark when you start from zero,” says the actor who has recently started pole dancing classes.
Ask Ishita the nicest thing somebody has said about her and she smiles, “Being compared to Zeenat Aman and Divya Bharati. Zeenat ma’am used to ooze sensuality. It’s a huge compliment.”
List three things nobody knows about you.
1. I’m really, really emotional. I cry in movies. I’m a weeper.
2. I’m a late sleeper, and I rarely get up in the middle of my sleep.
3. I’m a skater.
Does any song have the power to heal you?
Songs like Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe and Sooraj Ki Garmi Se. I heard them a lot during my low days and felt motivated to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Have you copied during an examination?
I have done that in all subjects. I have helped people cheat from my paper more than I have cheated myself, and I’ve been caught also. My parents were called... It was quite a mess.
Your thoughts on casual relationships?
I’m a hardcore romantic and want commitment. I’ll lose interest if it’s not serious.
Do you find it easy to apologise when you are in the wrong?
If I am in the wrong, I will do everything in my capacity to erase the hurt. You need to win them back and you need to earn it. So, I will persist till the other person feels better.
What’s a relationship deal breaker?
Emotional infidelity.
Who would you like to be stuck in an elevator with?
The man of my life... I’m yet to find him.
What is the most important criterion of being a good friend?
Someone who understands you and sticks around through the good and the bad. When you have a strong connection with someone, then you can guide them when needed, but don’t ever preach.
Describe yourself in a hashtag.
#KeepGuessing. With me, you never know what’s coming next.
{ Bedside stories }
Any favourite lullaby?
My mom used to sing Rock-A-Bye Baby.
What do you wear to bed?
Comfortable shorts and T-shirt.
Would you enjoy sleeping below the stars?
I would like it every once in a while, if I have good company with whom I can just talk about life.
What is your first thought when you wake up?
What is to be done next? I am all enthusiastic about doing something productive.
Do you share your bedroom?
I have my own bedroom as I stay in a three-bedroom apartment all by myself in Mumbai.
{ This or that? }
Lakeside or seaside?
I’m not really a beach person; it’s too hot. Lakes are cooler and calmer. You can sit by the water, have coffee or a picnic and just chill.
Eating dal chawal with hand or spoon?
I’ve always eaten with a spoon.
Julia Roberts or Madhuri Dixit?
Madhuri Dixit. I have grown up watching her dances, her adas and her nakhras.
Superstitious or not?
No matter how rational you think you are, sometimes you do feel superstitious.
From HT Brunch, November 26, 2022
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