​Ridhi Dogra: I don’t think being relevant is important; being authentic is

Ridhi Dogra refuses to be defined by format. Having navigated television, streaming and films, the actress says, “I’ve never restricted myself to one medium. Everything is consumed on the same screen now — films, OTT, reality.

Viewers switch between them within minutes.”She acknowledges that the shift takes time, especially in an industry quick to categorise actors, something she has consistently resisted. “No matter what you do, the industry always boxes you. That has been my understanding,” she says, calling it a sad reality for a creative space. “It’s up to individuals. In my case, I am backing myself. Which bracket will you put me in? You’ll run out of brackets.”Despite appearances in films like Jawan and Tiger 3, Ridhi rejects the idea that she is chasing commercial visibility. Her real interest lies in independent cinema and strong writing. “I want roles where I lead the narrative and portray real Indian women. Those stories feel lost somewhere,” she says.Even as she continues to explore different formats, including her appearance on The 50, she sees each experience as part of her growth.

“Every year, I try to do something that challenges me, that adds to my learnings and unlearnings as an actor.”For her, longevity is tied less to visibility than to credibility. “Being relevant isn’t important. Being authentic is. I’m not here to run a popularity contest. I’m here to deliver to my audience. If my audience tells me I’m a bad actor, that’s when I will know I’m not relevant,” she shares.