Bengaluru-based actor Ekta Rathod is making her much-anticipated entry into Telugu cinema, and she believes the wait for the right role has been worthwhile. Rather than accepting any part that came her way, Rathod was determined to find a character that would allow her to demonstrate her acting skills authentically.
The Pursuit of Craft Over Screen Presence
Ekta Rathod openly states that she never wanted to be just another face in the crowd. "I didn't want to just be the girl walking around in a film," she explains. Her primary goal was clear: "I wanted people to see that I can act." This strong intent to be recognized for her talent shaped her career decisions and led her to seek formal training abroad.
International Training and the Method Acting Edge
To hone her skills, Rathod traveled to New York to attend acting school, a plan initially made in 2019 but delayed by the global pandemic. When the opportunity finally arose, she seized it. "When I finally got the chance, I thought — let me just go and learn," she recalls. She firmly dismisses the idea that international training lacks relevance back home in India.
The core of her education in New York was method acting, a technique she now swears by. "The main thing I learned there was method acting. Once you understand that, you can act anywhere," she asserts. This approach, she believes, provides a universal toolkit for any performer.
Discipline, Long Hours, and Seeking Balance
Rathod admits that the acting profession demands immense discipline and constant adjustment. Her schedule can be grueling, with call times stretching from 6 am to 6 pm. "I wake up, work out, and go straight to set," she describes her routine. This hectic pace often comes at the cost of sleep. "For the past two weeks, I've barely slept five hours a night because of long shoots and travel."
However, for Ekta, the solution lies in achieving balance, not heading towards burnout. "We need to learn how to manage everything within the time we're given in a day," she advises, highlighting the importance of time management in a demanding industry.
Navigating Social Media and Public Scrutiny
Unlike many contemporaries, Ekta Rathod does not actively chase constant online visibility. "I'm not chasing constant online visibility, so I'm not very active on social media," she shares. She holds the belief that true visibility comes from the big screen. "Once the audience sees you on the big screen, that's the biggest visibility."
She is acutely aware of the downsides of the digital world, noting the prevalence of negativity and toxicity that can harm mental health. Yet, she consciously chooses to focus on the encouragement she receives. "The love I receive online far outweighs the negativity," she says, adding that everyone is entitled to an opinion, but she prefers to concentrate on the positive and keep moving forward.
Travel as a Personal Reset Mechanism
For Ekta, travel acts as a crucial detox and reset button. Exploring new places and gaining fresh perspectives helps her slow down and stay grounded. There's also a personal element to her travels. "Some of my closest friends live in NYC, so we meet halfway across the world," she says, combining personal connections with her need for a break.
As she continues shooting for her Telugu debut, Ekta Rathod stands as an example of an actor prioritizing artistic integrity, continuous learning, and a mindful approach to the pressures of fame and a demanding career.
