Exclusive! Ritika Nayak on Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam: Every girl should make herself a priority before loving someone else

Ritika Nayak, the Odia-speaking girl who hails from Delhi, turned out to be the surprise package in the recent release - Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam. The makers of the film intentionally kept her presence in the film a secret and the strategy worked big time when Ritika cast a spell on audiences with her spontaneity and screen presence in a girl-next-door character like Vasudha.

On a light-hearted note, many claimed that the ‘out of the syllabus’ character charmed her way into the hearts of spectators. In a chat with OTTplay.com, the young girl spills the beans on her life before filmdom, the Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam experience, the relatability of her character and dealing with fame after its success.

Take us through your growing years, what were your early interests and childhood like?

I was 20 when I began shooting for the film and turned a year older on set. As a kid, I was always an extrovert participating in school plays, and being a dancer. I wasn’t very much into academics and consider myself an average student. I was this extroverted kid that teachers were always fed up with.

From first grade till my 12th, my teachers constantly complained to my parents that I didn’t focus enough in class, and was always talkative. I was able to connect to Vasudha in Ashoka Vanamlo.. for the same reason instantly - she was also this chirpy, independent girl, which is not so different from my real life. I could relate to what she was going through.

You literally shot for the entire film in the same house amid a joint family setup, that’s in stark contrast with your upbringing.

I spent all my life being part of a nuclear family - it’s always been mom, dad and me. Finding myself amidst a joint family even if it was in a movie felt weird because I never experienced such an atmosphere before. I at best spent my vacations with my family.

Everyone on the set made me feel comfortable and didn’t treat me like an outcast because I didn’t know the language. They even translated lines for me and I was very happy working with an amazing lineup of actors like Vishwak, Rukshar and other experienced artists. Every character in the film was so integral to its universe. We were living in one house together like a family, it felt great.

How did you react to the strategy of keeping your presence in the film a surprise until the day of release?

In the beginning, I did feel restless, but Ravi, Vidya Sagar and the entire team convinced me I was an important element in the movie and that’s the reason why they wanted my presence to be a surprise package. They wanted audiences to notice me directly in the theatres. I knew they would like me but didn’t foresee such a huge response from everyone, audiences and the fraternity alike. All’s well that ends well - the strategy created wonders.

What about acting convinced you to make a career out of it?

My heart was always in acting, I believed I had the niche for it. I was part of every possible co-curricular activity in school and college. I stepped into modelling later and gave a good shot at it. That wasn’t my initial aim though; I was supposed to give my GMAT, CAT and pursue MBA in the US. This film opportunity came just in the nick of time, it was a beautiful story and Vasudha was such a compelling character. I couldn’t say no to it and my decision proved right.

Is it very overwhelming to experience success at 21? A week before the film’s release, not many knew you and now, you’re the talk of the town…

I still feel the same, I want to stay humble, live in the moment and appreciate the love I’m getting from many corners. I am still the same Ritika who cribs with her mom, fights with her dad and roams in Delhi with her friends. The popularity feels great but not much has changed I assure you. At the end of the day, I just want to be Ritika.

In the film, you find a partner who is ready to wait for you until you accomplish your career goals. Is that what you would look for, in a real-life partner too?

Personally, I don’t think it should just be me but also every girl out there. It’s important to make yourself a priority first. I follow this from the depth of my heart that you should love yourself first before making someone else your priority. Even if you decide to get married and not work, the decision should be taken by you and no one should take it on your behalf. If the other person loves you enough, they’ll understand it and respect you.

Learning Telugu - did it feel like going back to school?

Oh yes, tell me about it! I took workshop three months before I began the shoot. Now and then, I used to ask the team if I had dialogues for a particular scene and prepared for it in advance. I used to write/rewrite my lines time and again, it felt like I was preparing for my 12th boards all over again. The process was tough but the result was sweet.

Your on-screen equation with Rukshar and Vishwak Sen, who play Madhavi and Arjun, has come out very well. What do you think has worked for it?

Vasudha, as a character, is chirpy, bubbly and full of life and whenever she steps into a room, she makes everyone smile. Madhavi, the elder sister, barely talks. One had to do the balancing act and Vasudha is the one to break the ice always. Even in the case of Arjun, who is insecure and silent, just like Madhavi, Vasudha had to take the initiative and talk. That’s the reason the equation between me, Rukshar and Arjun has shaped up well. My character was filling the gap for everyone.

Do you feel the audiences were able to relate to the film more because it was a lockdown comedy?

The entire setup of the film amid a lockdown was relatable because it was what they experienced in real lives too, introspecting on relationships, and bonds within the family during that phase. Beyond the lockdown aspect, the various threads on intercaste/arranged marriages, and the career versus marriage conflict struck a chord with many.

Tell us about your experiences in shooting for the film in Telugu states.

I always loved Hyderabad - the food, the people and it was a memorable experience. There was a lot about the city I didn’t know before and discovered through the making.

What next?

I am going to stay in the moment, there are many projects in the loop. Let’s hope for the best; whatever comes my way, I’ll try to do as well and better myself in comparison to Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam. I hope audiences give me the same amount of love for my future characters as much as Vasudha.