Actress Celesti Bairagey who plays the lead role of Rajjo in Star Plus’ Udti Ka Naam Rajjo is a revelation indeed!! In quick time, Celesti has found a solid grounding in the field of acting. She is a natural when it comes to emoting, and this is widely on display in the show.
In a candid exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Celesti talks about her grooming, her love for acting and more.
Tell us about yourself.
I am from Assam, I recently shifted to Mumbai for my work. I have completed my Masters in English.
In real life, do you have an athletic background?
I do have it actually. But unfortunately, I could not pursue it as my dad got transferred to Andhra Pradesh after my 11th. My coaching centre was in Assam. I was indulging in athletics for good health and saw it as a good activity for my body. I surely was not like what I am portraying right now. I used to be good at lawn tennis.
How did you prepare to be a runner for the show?
I jog every evening in my day-to-day life. It was difficult initially, especially when we shot in Manali. We have shot uphill where I had to run. It was challenging. Our Director Lalit Mohan Sir helped me with my body language during my run. He asked me to keep in mind that I had to reach my goal as soon as possible. The challenging part was that I could not look down and run when I was in front of the camera.
How has this journey been with Udti Ka Naam Rajjo?
It is very amazing and overwhelming. When I shifted to Mumbai, I did not know anyone here. I have never been out of Assam alone. My mom keeps juggling between our home in Assam and with me in Mumbai. The Khaad Babus of my life are the people on my set. The journey has been going good.
You are at ease before your camera. So how do you get this naturality in acting?
My dad once dressed up as Radha in his college days. He has done theatre. They used to perform in different places. He has donned many mythological parts. His acting as Radha was so amazing that nobody knew that he was a boy. So maybe I got it from him!! (smiles). He plays a lot of musical instruments. So he is into art for sure!!
How is it working with Rajveer?
It is going really well. He has been supportive all the time. We have worked together from the mock shoot phase. I am lucky this way, I work with a very supportive team.
What are your learning curves?
Frankly, one incident I cannot forget is the balcony one where I go down the balcony to get my dupatta. Actually, on the same day I shot for it, my mother left for Assam. So when I went home after shoot, I was all alone. It was a nightmare for me to shoot the scene; I was not able to concentrate. I started to cry. The team gave me a half an hour’s break. My team talked to me and told me not to keep personal baggage in my mind during my work. I am a very emotional person; I cannot control my feelings. So this was the biggest learning. You should not let out any other emotion apart from what is required before the camera.
What are your expectations now?
This show is my very first show. It will always be very close to my heart. I want to live up to the expectations of my team and audience.