Rasika Dugal is a name that resonates with versatility and depth, as she effortlessly brings diverse characters to life across films, web series, and theatre. Known for her memorable roles, from the strong-willed IPS officer in Delhi Crime to the mysterious Beena in Mirzapur, Rasika continues to captivate audiences with her powerful performances. At the concluding day of the Cinevesture International Film Festival in Chandigarh, she spoke about her journey and her approach to acting, embodying authenticity and passion for her craft.
Rasika believes that the uniqueness of the characters she plays stems from the scripts themselves. “The writing is different, so the characters are different. Whether it’s Neeti Singh, the idealistic IPS officer in Delhi Crime, or the enigmatic Beena from Mirzapur, each character offers an opportunity to explore different facets of humanity,” she explains.
She finds a personal connection with Neeti, describing her as an embodiment of college-day idealism. “There’s a righteousness and belief that her work can change the world. I resonated with that part of her.” On the other hand, Beena is a stark contrast to Rasika’s own personality. “Beena owns every space she walks into with a sensual quality, something I’ve always admired but never allowed myself to embody,” she shares.
Rasika’s approach to acting relies heavily on intuition. “The most important part of acting is to know when to let go and trust your instinct,” she says. While rehearsing isn’t her preferred method, she spends considerable time immersing herself in the character’s world, familiarizing herself with their essence before stepping into the role.
Having trained at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Rasika credits much of her acting prowess to the institution. “Everything I know about acting is because of FTII,” she remarks. But it was theatre that gave her a strong foundation in Mumbai. “Theatre gave me a sense of community when I didn’t have work. It allowed me to keep practicing my craft and connect with like-minded actors,” she adds.
As a proud Punjabi, Rasika also looks forward to new collaborations, revealing her excitement to work with Diljit Dosanjh in the future. This reflects her continuous drive to explore new opportunities and expand her horizons in the industry.
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