Ridhi Arora, a name synonymous with versatility and dedication, has seamlessly navigated the worlds of entertainment and academia. Starting her acting career at the tender age of 8, Ridhi quickly rose to prominence with acclaimed roles in television shows like Shake It Up and Hello Pratibha and impactful performances in films like Hichki. However, her insatiable thirst for knowledge led her to explore the corporate world, eventually securing admissions to prestigious global business schools, including London Business School, INSEAD, and ISB.
In an engaging press conference, Ridhi candidly shared her transformative journey, balancing the demands of acting and academics while staying grounded in her values. From early struggles to her current achievements, her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. The event was held in Mumbai’s posh area Andheri West where many entertainment film industries celebs has been there like, Bollywood Actress Aayat Shaikh, Actor-Producer Laxman Singh Rajput, Film Directors Sagar Joshi & Amit Kumar Anshu etc.
Here’s a glimpse into her journey through this exclusive Q&A session from the press conference.
Q: Share your journey and how and at what age you started acting?
A: I began my acting journey at the age of 8. I started out with theatre and won various national awards by IPTA and other esteemed organisations. Looking at my interest in acting, my parents moved our family from Agra to Mumbai in 2010 so I can build an acting career here. Fortunately, I landed some great projects starting out – like Chhote Miyan Chapter 3 on Colors and Shake It Up on Disney.
Q: How many projects have you done in your acting career? Can you name a few?
A: I have worked on several projects, including TV shows like Shake It Up (as Mandeep Di) and Hello Pratibha (as Pihu), as well as movies like Hichki. I have also done ads of Snapdeal and UNICEF. I have also had the honour of sharing stage with Shah Rukh Khan while hosting the annual press conference of Kidzania. In addition, I have played the lead in certain specials of Crime Patrol and Savdhan India and cameo roles in Balika Vadhu and Parvarish. Each character was very different from the other and helped me bring a lot of versatility to the table. For example, my character in Shake It Up was fun and bubbly but my role in Hello Pratibha was more emotional and innocent. These roles helped me express the breadth of my skill perfectly.
Q. Can you tell us your favourite memory or project from acting?
My favourite memory was from an episode I did in Savdhan India on child molestation. It was a special one-hour episode for which they roped me in. I had to really get in the mind of the character and play some emotion-heavy scenes that had the power to define the entire episode. There was this one particular climax scene where I had to let all my emotions out and I was able to pull it off so well that I got a standing ovation from the entire set, a rare occurrence in any project. That character will always be close to my heart because it helped spread a very important message to the entire country on women empowerment.
Q: Your acting career was going well. Why did you choose to work in corporate and later pursue an MBA?
A: While I loved acting, I felt like I was unable to use my intellectual and analytical side in acting. I was always hidden away in a corner on the set with my nose in the books because I used to love studying so much growing up. That love for academics shaped my interest in finance and strategy. I got to learn these subjects from various experienced professors at NMIMS who helped me build the right muscle to enter this industry. After graduating from college, I landed great jobs in a couple of multinational companies where I could grow my footing as a finance professional.
Q. Was it difficult to get admission in these colleges? What shaped your decision to apply?
It was indeed a very competitive process. All three colleges, LBS, INSEAD and ISB are known for selecting a few hundred students from thousands of applicants globally. I worked hard on my applications and demonstrated my blend of creative and professional experience to stand out in the candidate pool. I also ended up receiving partial scholarships from London Business School and INSEAD which is another rare feat in itself.
Q: Will you return to the entertainment industry in the future?
A: Yes, absolutely! The entertainment industry is my first love, and I would love to return when the right opportunity presents itself.
Q: Would you prefer OTT platforms or the big screen for your comeback?
A: Both have their charm. OTT platforms allow for more creative freedom and reach a global audience, while the big screen offers the magic of cinema. I am open to both, depending on the project.
Q: Did you have a mentor who guided you in your acting or corporate career?
A: I’ve been fortunate to have mentors in both fields. In acting, my directors, especially Rishi sir and Ismail sir, and co-stars taught me a lot. They shaped the way I thought about and expressed my characters. In the corporate world, my managers and professors guided me in navigating the business landscape from scratch. They mentored me through every project, assigned me the right opportunities for me to grow and supported me in my admissions process as well.
Q: What role did your parents play in your acting and corporate career?
A: My parents have been my strongest support system. It was a big sacrifice they made moving their home to Mumbai only for my career. They have been my biggest cheerleaders every step of the way. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My dad would always take care of my shoots, schedules, budget and other important details while my mom would look after my well-being, style and focus in every project. They also supported and motivated me immensely in my MBA applications.
Q: What is the difference between an MBA in India and abroad?
A: An MBA abroad offers a global perspective, diverse peer groups, and exposure to international markets. In India, the focus is often more on theoretical knowledge and local industry practices. I have mostly worked with the European markets in my current role. The focus of my career has always been global and that’s what I intend to build on in the future.
Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? In India or abroad?
I will mostly be pursuing an opportunity abroad. I will either be in France and Singapore or in London for the next year or so. I am deeply excited about this opportunity and I hope to make the best of it while I am there. I will get to learn from peers coming from more than 70 countries globally. I have a lot to gain from that kind of diversity in my professional experience. However, I will always be grateful to my roots in India. This country has given me a lot and I aim to give back in all ways possible. A few years after I graduate, I hope to sponsor the education of various underprivileged students in India and make things easy for them financially.
Q. Do you have any message for other people who aspire to be actors or apply for global MBA?
I think, with the right dedication and consistency, anyone can achieve their dreams. My only advice would be to set your eyes on being the best in whichever industry you choose. This principle has always guided my choices. In acting, talk to as many people as possible, build the right connections, work on your craft and use every acting project to showcase your potential. For MBA, focus on getting a great GMAT score and talk about the uniqueness of your profile in your applications. That being said, there can be a lot of setbacks in either of these industries but staying headstrong and resilient will take you far and ahead.
Q: Do you have any specific message for the media on this special event?
A: I want to thank the media for their constant support throughout my journey. Today’s event celebrates my transition from a child actress to a global MBA student, and I hope my story inspires others to dream big and pursue their passions.
