'Guru' actress Ritika Singh, a huge Undertaker fan and a kick-boxer turned film personality, awaits the release of 'Shivalinga' on April 14. In this interview, the new kid on the block talks about the film, her future plans, and more.

I didn't plan for it:

I am a boxer who got trained even as a child. I am a winner in the ACN Trophy. Maddy sir (Madhavan) spotted me and spoke to my father for the Tamil film 'Irudhi Suttru'. I never wanted to be an actress. I am a martial arts fighter. Everything has happened without me planned for it. I got selected in the audition and scored a hit in Tamil and Hindi. Then Venkatesh garu gave me a chance to debut in Telugu.

Liked the story:

I have done 'Shivalinga' because I liked the story. My character, especially, is very impressive. This is a horror-entertainer whose Kannada version too I liked.

Felt it was challenging:

I have essayed my role with the aim of not seeming to have been influenced by the original. I have sported make-up, unlike in 'Guru'. It was not easy to dance and give those expressions. If Lawrence master rocks it with his dances, I can't dance much! So, that was another challenge. He advised me on my body language and expressions.

The action episodes will be a highlight.

Acting is more difficult:

Compared to boxing, acting is more difficult. I have learnt martial arts and boxing since childhood. So, they were easier. I used to practice from 9 in the morning till 7 in the evening for this movie.

Learning from biggies:

I am very happy to have debuted in Telugu with a film like 'Guru'. Both Venkatesh garu and Madhavan are amazing artistes who supported me throughout. I learnt many valuable lessons from them.

Ready for Tollywood:

I am listening to scripts in Telugu. I am ready to do more films here if I like the story. I want to do a diverse kind of movies with scope for performance. I am doing a movie in Tamil.

My favourites:

My favourite actresses are Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Anushka Sharma. I have always looked up to them.