I know my strengths and my limits- Rrishita Monga's Interview

Rishita Monga, who is playing the lead character of Manmeet in Dreamers Production’s forthcoming film Yaraan Naal Baharaan II, is the winner of MTV Ibibo Superstar 2008 show. She was also one of the top 5 contestant in Miss India Worldwide 2009 and Winner of Miss Talented and Miss Beautiful Skin. Rishita has also worked in print ads for brands like Spicejet, Dominos, Pantaloons, Dabur, Armstrong Flooring, Panasonic, besides many commercial TVCs.  She is making her debut as lead in Punjabi film Yaraan Naal Baharaan II releasing on 6 July 2012.

Q: The same makers had earlier produced Yaraan Naal Baharaan. Is this a sequel to it
Rishita Monga :- No its not same. It’s a completely different story. Yaraan Naal Baharaan II is all about love. There is Yara which means friendship and Yara also means relationship. I don’t think there could have been another more fitting title. It’s perfectly suitable. 
Q: Tell us something about your Character?
Rishita Monga:- I play the character of Manmeet. She is NRI girl and stays in Canada with her family.  Very down to earth girl, she is so simple. On first meeting one feels that she has some attitude but basically she is simple Punjabi girl. In real life too I really relate to the character because I am like Manmeet only.
Q: Since the name of the film is Yaaran naal Baharaan II you will be compared with the heroine of the first film. Comment?
Rishita Monga:- Why comparisons? This is my first film and this would not be fair at all.  I know my strengths and my limits too. Then name may be same but it’s a totally different film. I have seen the first film and I know it’s very different. My character too, is totally different.
Q: What is the story about?
Rishita Monga:- I stay in Punjab. Due to some family problem we all go to Jaipur and there I meet the hero, fall in love. Then family issues begin. Our families already know each other for the rest you will have to watch the film.

Q: How did you get this film? 

Rishita Monga:- Like any other girl, I too went for audition. And within two days I got the call that I was selected. Earlier I was done Punjabi music Videos. Initially I was not thinking about the movie. But one of my friend told me there are some auditions going and they wanted new face. So I went there and got selected.
Q: How is the Music of the film?
Rishita Monga:- Music is really good. There are total 5 songs and four are picturised on me.
Q: Is your target only Punjabi films?
Rishita Monga:- Not at all. I am an actress and I do want to go much wider. I am very much interested in south films too. But yes of course I will defiantly look forward to Punjabi films too. it’s my mother tongue,  it’s my culture , so I cannot and will not disconnect from it. But at the same time I am looking at Bollywood.  I would like to play roles like Vidya Balan, a performance oriented, meaningful characters. As a child I followed Hararbajan Mann, Tulip Joshi, Niru Bajwa etc. 

Q: Locations of the film look very fresh. Where all did you shoot?

Rishita Monga:- Yes, the producer Preetpal Ji and director Samit Brar ji wanted fresh look, so thye had looked for newer places beyond Punjab. We have shot in Mumbai Udaipur, Hariyana, and Punjab. 

Q: The same producers had earlier produced 2 super hits like Asa Nu Maan Watana Da & Yaaran Naal Baharaan. So what are your expectations with this film?

Rishita Monga:- Expectation are good because they have made a good film. While shooting we saw the kind of trouble  producer Preetpal Ji and director Samit Brar ji went to keep the production quality up and make an entertainer. Music is good, all the actors have done a good job, so film should do well.  

Q: Did you face any difficulty or discomfort during the shoot?

Rishita Monga:- The environment on the set was very entertaining, so when I had to give some serious scene, I wasn’t able to concentrate. People around me were talking laughing. So I couldn’t get into the skin of that character at times. This was really very annoying and difficult for me.