Q: Tell me something about you Ruma. What is your family background and what made you choose Acting and Modeling as a Career option?
A: My name is Ruma Sharma. I belong to a Brahmin family. I am basically from Delhi but staying in Mumbai for the past one year. I am a pass out from the National School of Drama Teenagers Group. I am pursuing my second year BA Programming from Delhi University. I have been brought up by my Mom and her family. Everyone in her family side is highly educated. My mom was a Government School teacher but she left because she wants to focus on me and my acting career. Honestly, I never wanted to be an actor. It was my Mom's dream that I become an actor. But now it has become my passion and worship. I am very lucky as everyone in my family is supportive of my Career.
Q: How do you feel about being part of a number one Youth Show?
A: Well, I am excited to be part of this Show. I had read and heard about this show a lot. My character is a small one but I am sure I will be able to make a mark in the mind of the viewers. I am overwhelmed by the response I have received from people through Instagram, edits and messages. And I wish, whether I stay longer in the show or not, I stay in the mind of the viewers forever as their Riddhima.
Q: Tell me something about the character you play in Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan?
A: I am playing the character of Riddhima in the show. Pundit Trilok Chaurasya lures me with fake promises and then dumps me. My character will help reveal Pandit’s true colors to the world.
Q: Who is your favorite character in Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan? Why?
A: Well, it's really hard to choose any one character from the show. All are good. Each and every character has their identity, color and shades. So I like all of them. But if I have to choose one character, I would choose Cabir because he is the cupid and everyone’s friend. His character is quite witty as well.
Q: What is one quality you like the most in you?
A: Hahaha! That’s a very sweet question. I love everything about me! Jokes apart, I think the best thing about me is I am what I am. With me, what you see is what you get! I don't want to pretend myself as extra ordinary or anything. I cannot show off things. I like to be myself and I think most of the people love me for the same reason.
Q: What is one thing you would like to change about yourself?
A: I am very emotional and cry very easily. That is one thing I would like to change about me. Especially when I hear about rape cases, domestic abuse, terrorism and issues like that, I feel strongly for the victims. Also, I get attached to people very fast and sometimes end up regretting it. But it’s okay! As I said I cannot change myself for anyone, I am what I am.
Q: If you were not an Actress or Model, what would you have been?
A: As a child, I have wanted to be a Doctor. I was also quite fascinated by the Teaching Profession as my Mom was a Teacher.
Q: If I am not wrong, you started very young. How old were you when you acted first? How was your journey as an Actress?
A: Yeah, you are right! I was 6 years when I did my first show as a lead in Shree Ram Centre Auditorium of Delhi. Then from there one of the Director’s casted me for the Star Gold episodic series. I even acted opposite Rajat Tokas for a DD1 show. My second show was Jasoos Vijay produced by BBC World. Then I did a number of shows for DD1 and side by side I was doing my schooling as well. After completing my 12th, I came to Bombay. I have been in Mumbai for nearly a year and have done Episodics like Fear Files – Darr Ki Sacchi Tasvirein, Savdhan India and Shapath.
Q: Are you a fitness freak? What do you do to stay in shape? A: I am not a fitness freak at all! I am a foodie and love junk food. I love the Mumbai pani puri and Ice creams. Let me share a secret with you! I want to have my own Ice cream Parlor some day. Whether anyone comes or not, I will be the top most customer of my own parlor. Yes, I do yoga and exercises to keep myself fit but nobody can stop me from having junk food… not even my Momma.
Q: Recently Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan promoted a Campaign on Eve Teasing and Woman’s Harassment #itsnotusitsyou , what do you have to say about it?
A: I think Eve teasing is a typical social crime. It is the sexual harassment or molestation of women by men. Wherever you go in India, be it the mall, the bus stand, the railway station, the theater, colleges, schools, if you are a woman you can’t escape it. Many believe that it is the clothing of women that elicits such uncouth behavior, but the sad truth is that even conservatively dressed Muslim women who wear a burqa over their clothes leaving only the eyes and feet visible are subjected to it. Women avoid walking in dark lanes and almost always avoid places that are deserted. And when they see men in groups they try to avoid those places too. Boys who see their fathers treating their mothers with respect will automatically grow into men who think likewise. Boys and girls should be allowed to mingle freely so that they learn to respect each others individuality. Men need to realize that every woman is some man’s wife, or daughter, or sister, or mother; and must be treated with the same respect, they would accord their own.
Q: What kind of roles do you want to do? Do you have a dream role? Are you open to intimate scenes and exposing?
A: Well, being a student of National School of Drama, I want to do some challenging roles like what Priyanka did in Barfi. It is always good to be a part of such kind of project. And I believe that an actor should be versatile, experimental and should not stick to the same image kind or role. Well, intimate scenes and exposing depends on the demand of script. If it’s the requirement and it’s not looking vulgar, I am open for it. But it should be sensible and with some good story line.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: When I am free, I enjoy sleeping the most hahaaa. Yeah, I prefer keeping myself busy in some activities like exercise, yoga, dance even some times sketching. I actually am not much of a party freak, but yeah… I do have few good friends so if I am free I plan for coffee or dinner with them.
Q: How active are you on Social Networking sites?
A: Well, I am on Instagram and Facebook. I got such a good response from people for my character Riddhima in KY2. It feels good when you receive so much love and appreciation from people. So yes, I try to stay active on these sites.
Q: Are you working on any other Projects at this moment? What are your future dreams?
A: Well, right now there are things on the pipeline. Hope some good projects come in my favor. Talking of dreams, one day I would like to be part of a show like Big Boss. I am a huge Kareena Kapoor fan and would love to work with her. The same goes with Salman Khan and Amir Khan... I admire them both. It is my desire to work with them.
Q: Do you have any message for girls who wish to enter the modeling and acting field?
A: Yes! For the girls who recently joined modeling or acting industry or who want to join… I would say to have patience. You will surely get what you want to. But yes! You need to be really hard working and passionate about your work. Mumbai is the City of Dreams and will not disappoint anyone. You just need to be patient and work hard. Don't go for the short cuts in life. Long cuts may take longer and may come with a lot of pain and troubles, but your achievements will last longer. So be focused and take positive steps towards your goals.
