Ridhiema Tiwari - The Actress Who Played Amba In "Begum Jaan" (Indian Actress)

"Acting is a journey of dedication and growth, where following your heart and honing your craft through highs and lows leads to true fulfillment"

1. Can you tell us a bit about your journey into acting and what inspired you to pursue this career?

Acting was never a possible dream for me. Born into a middle-class family with a focus on discipline and values, my childhood ambitions were limited to education and professional degrees. Despite this, my diction and language lessons, along with my training in Bharatanatyam dance and singing, were part of a bigger picture I couldn’t see at the time.

Growing up, I was inspired by the expressions and dance moves of Sridevi, Rekha, and Madhuri Dixit. At one point, I rebelled against the conventional path and quit a banking job I never wanted. That was the moment I took control of my life and decided to follow my heart into acting.

The journey has been eventful, with many highs and lows, but I learned everything from scratch. I’m grateful to have worked with talented co-actors, directors, and teams who pushed me to sharpen my craft. I never limited myself to a specific type of character, which led to diverse opportunities in TV, OTT, and films.

Despite facing setbacks, I remained consistent and nourished my mental health through self-motivation, workshops, and time with family. After a decade in the industry, I see my acting journey as a lifelong process of dedication and learning, akin to a disciplined practice or SADHANA.

2. You’ve had a diverse career in television and film. What has been the most memorable role for you so far, and why?

Amba in Begum Jaan and Maldawali in Ghulaam have been particularly memorable roles that elevated my essence as an actor and resonated with my fans. Recently, playing a cop in the series Tujhpe Main Fida on Amazon Mini TV added another dimension to my craft. These roles have been my favorite onscreen avatars because they brought me personal satisfaction and were also appreciated by the audience. Achieving both as an actor is truly rewarding.

3. What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve faced in your career?

I don’t view obstacles negatively; they are empowering lessons. Initially, my lack of a mentor, guidance, or acting classes was a setback. I was naive and scattered, diving into the industry without a clear strategy. This slowed my pace, but I don’t regret it. I’m content with my journey and progress as an actor.

4. Are there any upcoming projects or roles that you’re particularly excited about and can share with us?

I’m very excited about the second season of Tujhpe Main Fida on Amazon Mini TV, which will stream in the first week of August.

5. What’s your advice for aspiring actors?

Value the opportunity to pursue your dreams but stay grounded and disconnected from the outcomes. Keep working on your craft and don’t get distracted by the highs and lows.

6. If you could star in a remake of any classic film or TV show, which one would it be and why?

I would love to star in a remake of the series This Is Us. Its themes of life, love, and family are close to my heart. The characters’ personal struggles and the emotions portrayed are so relatable and special. A remake would be a splendid opportunity for an actor.

Bio: 

Ridhiema Tiwari is a film and TV actor known for her roles in popular shows like Rishto Se Badi Pratha, Do Dil Ek Jaan, Sasural Genda Phool, Dosti Yariyaan Manmarziyaan, Love Marriage vs. Arranged Marriage, Ghulaam, and Divya Drishti. In 2017, she made her Bollywood debut in Begum Jaan with Vishesh Films, alongside Vidya Balan, and appeared on The Kapil Sharma Show to promote the film.

Ridhiema’s self-shot short film Work From Home, created during the lockdown, won several international awards and was selected for the Toronto Lift-Off Film Festival and Chain Film Festival. An English Literature graduate from Sophia College, Mumbai, she hails from UP and is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer. Besides acting, she is passionate about travel, cooking, writing, and social service. A feminist at heart, Ridhiema believes in the power of feminine energy. She recently played the pivotal role of Chandralekha in the fantasy drama Raazmahal and received accolades for her roles as a cop in Tujhpe Main Fida and a terrorist in Adrishyam on Sony Liv. The second season of Tujhpe Main Fida on Amazon Mini TV is set to release in early August.

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Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh 

Edited by: Mishika Goel