I want to be known as a versatile actor and not typecast - Monica Sehgal

It is said that success happens not by chance, but because you were given a chance and took advantage of it. Some aspirants who dream to pursue a career into acting have a certain kind of energy, and that energy has to do with the way people receive you on the screen.

Similar is the case with newbie Monica Sehgal who has marked her debut with Star Plus show Dosti.. Yariyaan.. Manmarzian (Swastik Pictures). As she paves her way with her debut in the show, we speak to the lass about her journey into the industry.

She stated, "To start with, I would like to share the fact that I always wanted to become a television host. I participated in a digital competition initiated by Swastik Pictures titled #jugaad where we expect to innovate things using waste. It was then that I received a call from producer Siddharth Kumar Tewary who offered me a role in their show as a lead. His compliment that I had a good screen presence left me in awe of him. " 

Sweet!

Manmarziyan depicts the tale of how a Radhika aspires to be more than just someone's daughter, sister, wife or mother. She wants to follow her dreams and become something in life.

Talking about the concept of the show, she said, "I think every girl will be able to relate to the situation Radhika will face. In fact, even I convinced my parents and came to Mumbai all the way from Ujjain only to complete my graduation and post-graduation from Xavier's College! But unlike Radhika, my parents were very supportive."

Monica believes that its time that women have moved on from being a mere housewife. In today's world, it is as important for a woman to work as it is for a man.

We are sure that our readers would like to know a lot more about Monica than what is stated above. Hence, we bring to you the top 5 things shared by Monica in a candid conversation with us.

Her experience of shooting in Rishikesh:

I am Aqua phobic and I had to raft and participate in all the other water based adventure activities.

Memorable moment:

We shot in Rishikesh when the temperature dropped to two degrees. I had to use a phone in the first shot but my hands were numb! I was wrapped with blankets around me after every two shots but after the final shot was taken the entire crew applauded for me. I was overwhelmed. I can never forget this day in my life!

Challenge essaying Radhika:

Being a beginner, it was and it is still very difficult for me to get into the skin of my character. There are times when I am not in the same mood that Radhika is expected to be in. I have to literally forget myself by struggling with my emotions to essay Radhika.

Rapport with the cast and crew:

I have heard of directors being impatient on the sets but my director, Pushkar Mahabal has helped me grow as an actor. He has a lot of patience and understands that I am a debutant so I would face problems acting. Apart from him my co-actors Karan Khanna and Kashmira Irani are like family to me. If I go wrong, they make me sit down and give me tips on how I should improve my performance.

Your Manmarziyan? :

My Manmarziyan was to make my parents proud and that is what I have achieved. However, I would like to explore myself as an actor so I am known as a versatile actor and not typecast.

Monica, we wish you luck for your debut in Manmarziyan!