Celebrated for her dynamic presence as an ‘OTT Queen,’ actor Rasika Dugal has been riding the waves of success, buoyed by her performances in hit shows such as ‘Mirzapur’, ‘Delhi Crime’, and ‘Adhura’. Her hard-won accomplishments in the entertainment industry are in the spotlight again as she anticipates the screening of her new film, ‘Lord Curzon Ki Haveli,’ at the prestigious Red Lorry Film Festival, organized by BookMyShow.
Clad in the authenticity of her characters, Rasika brings to life the essence of Ira in ‘Lord Curzon Ki Haveli’. She sees reflections of the women who influenced her upbringing in her on-screen counterpart. “Ira toes the line yet dances with a spirit and humor that belies her strength,” says Rasika in an exclusive chat with mid-day.com. “Often mistaken as submissive, Ira’s real mettle shines when pushed to the brink. This fascinating duality of gentleness with an undercurrent of bravery in women has always intrigued me.”
The film, set almost entirely in one location and predominantly making use of sharp, engaging dialogues, offers a robust platform for performance—an aspect that drew Rasika to the project like a moth to a flame. “The opportunity for improvisation and collaboration with a skilled cast promised an invigorating acting experience,” she states.
The feature also marks Anshuman Jha’s debut as a director. Reflecting on their collaboration, Rasika recounts the discovery of her character’s layers through valuable workshops. “Anshuman struck a delicate balance, shepherding us through the exploration of our roles while allowing the freedom to make them our own,” she shares, highlighting the importance of a director’s vision combined with creative liberty.
Despite accumulating years of experience in the industry, it was not an overnight climb for Rasika to reach the zenith where she now commands substantial roles and the limelight. She attributes her success to a blend of “hard work, instinct, luck, and an unwavering passion for the craft.” Her relationship with the streaming space, she admits, has pivoted her career—connecting her with expansive audiences and enabling her to exhibit the range of her acting capabilities.
The acclamation she has garnered has not swayed her discernment when it comes to choosing projects. Rasika focuses on the narrative’s resonance rather than its commercial prospects. She expounds, “I don’t possess the knack for predicting market trends—that’s for marketing professionals. I’m a firm believer that a compelling story, smartly marketed, will naturally attract its audience.”
Rasika advocates for a blend in an actor’s repertoire, balancing projects that gratify a universal connection with those that keep one rooted in their artistic ambitions. It is a risk she knowingly embraces—a testament to her commitment to the art of storytelling.
Rasika Dugal’s journey exemplifies the richness that comes from embracing risk and staying true to oneself in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. As she gears up for the screening of ‘Lord Curzon Ki Haveli,’ her path serves as an inspiration to many in the industry—her roles resonate with an authenticity and bravery that mirrors the very women she admires. With the faith that a well-spun tale will always find its way, Rasika Dugal stands as a beacon for aspiring actors, proving that with genuine passion and a touch of daring, one can indeed weave their own narrative of success.
