Rachita Ram, still riding high on the praise for her Tamil debut Coolie, is gearing up for an exciting lineup in Kannada: Ayogya 2, Cult, and Landlord. Birthday poster releases for each film showcase her range. “In Ayogya 2, I’m the girl next door, in Cult it’s full glamour, but Landlord gives a completely new avatar,” she says.
Her upcoming role as Chinamma in Jadeshaa K Hampi, opposite Vijay Kumar, is a striking departure. “This is an earthy village character, loud, holding a machete, walking through the village," she reveals, and adds, "After 12 years in the industry, why be monotonous? Heroes experiment, so why not us? I want to follow actors like Malashree and Shruti and break the notion of just being the glamour girl,” Rachita explains.
She credits Coolie for changing her outlook. “I’m glad a role like this came my way. It showed me that deep, challenging characters are as thrilling as glamorous ones.” She also recalls that actor Darshan and director Lokesh Kanagaraj encouraged her to take up the role in Landlord. “I had explained to Darshan about the character and how it has shades of his role in Kaatera. He told me the role would be challenging and I should take it. I also discussed it with director Lokesh Kanagaraj. I told him the character has an 18-year-old daughter, and he said such roles bring versatility and longevity to an actor’s career and I should take it,” she says.
Having completed ninety per cent of the shooting, Rachita shares that playing Chinamma pushed her limits. “I felt overstressed with the Kolar slang initially. Vijay Kumar was comfortable, but I had to push myself mentally and physically. By the second day, I found my grip, and director Jadeshaa was very happy with my performance. Somehow, he tapped into a side of my potential I hadn’t explored,” she shares.
Post-Coolie, Rachita is being approached with varied roles across industries. “Filmmakers want to see me in meaningful characters, even negative ones. Landlord’s motion poster might change perceptions again,” she hints.
While Cult is glamorous and Ayogya 2 is relatable, Rachita has more surprises. “I’ll be part of a women-centric film soon, and there’s another project with an all-new team. Details will be revealed shortly,” she signs off.
