Actress Shruti Marathe tells Shalaka Nalawade about her aspirations, hobbies and her latest Marathi film Premsutra, which hits theatres today
If you happen to meet Shruti Marathe in person and find her much younger and slimmer than her onscreen persona — Radha — in the Marathi TV serial Radha Hi Bawri, don’t be surprised. “Arre, I am supposed to look older than Saurabh, my love interest in the show, which is why I keep wearing baggy anarkalis that make me look older and bulkier,” Shruti smiles.
Recently, we chatted up the actress when she, along with the team of Premsutra (the Marathi film which releases today), visited Sakal Times office. Providing a glimpse into her character in the film, Shruti says, “I play a pampered rich girl who falls in love with the hero (essayed by Sandeep Kulkarni). She has everything — the looks, money and determination to get what she wants. So when the hero refuses to reciprocate her feelings, she doesn’t know how to react. My character has a lot of grey shades, which was challenging and fun.”
Shruti has been in the TV circuit for quite sometime now, making an early start with the Marathi TV serial Peshwai. She was in her 10th standard then. Her big-screen innings took off with the Marathi hit film Sanai Chowghade, and she has been busy ever since. After Premsutra, Tuzi Mazi Love Story is lined up for release. Shruti is also working in a period film Drushtidaan, which is based on a Tagore story.
Revealing her Bollywood dreams, the glamorous actress says, “I most certainly have Bollywood ambitions, but I don’t want to do a film where my talent will be wasted,” says Shruti, who has starred in several successful South Indian films as well.
Fitness fundas
Like all new-age actresses, Shruti makes sure that she devotes enough time to fitness to look good and keep up with hectic work schedules. Sharing her fitness fundas, she says, “Whenever possible, I work out. With our super hectic schedules, especially for TV soaps, it’s not easy to find time to hit the gym everyday, but then I go jogging or do weight training. I need to stay fit to keep my stamina and energy levels high for the long shoots,” she explains.
Other activities that she enjoys are yoga and aerobics. “I like doing different activities because I get bored with routine. I have always been into sports since childhood, so that helps me as well,” says the young actress, but emphasises that dieting is not her cup of tea. “However, I do keep a watch over what I eat. I also control my carb intake after sunset,” she informs.
Multi-faceted actress
Revealing one more interesting facet of her personality, Shruti says, “I am a trained Bharatnatyam and Kathak dancer, and I would like to showcase my dancing skills in films some day.”
But right now, acting is her priority. “I want to further explore my acting potential and I am working hard,” she says and adds, “If you ask, what is my dream role, I would say Rani Mukerji’s character in Black is very inspiring. The kind of commitment she put into the role is praiseworthy. I learnt that Rani took prior lessons in sign language before she started shooting for the film. To get into the skin of the character, you have to work hard and I must say, Rani is exemplary. I want to take up such challenging roles,” she says.
Leisure hours
With her hectic schedules, Shruti gets little time to spend with her family. “Of course, I do miss my family a lot,” she says and adds, “Which is why I plan my offs much in advance, so that I can spend time with my loved ones, or catch up on sleep or do something that I really enjoy,” Shruti signs off.