Vedika Pinto is keen to ensure that the success of ‘Musafir Cafe’ does not limit the choices she makes as an actor. While the popularity of her character Sudha from the series, has given her a new level of recognition and a more consistent flow of work, Pinto says she is consciously avoiding roles that could place her in a similar mould. The actor reveals that she recently turned down a part because it reminded her too much of the character audiences have embraced.
Vedika Pinto wants roles that challenge her after ‘Musafir Cafe’
In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Pinto admits that the overwhelming response to ‘Musafir Cafe’ initially made her consider staying within a similar genre. However, she soon realised that repeating the formula would not help her grow as an actor.“Initially, right after Musafir Cafe released, when I was getting all that love, I felt like I should stick to maybe this genre because clearly people are enjoying me in this and it’s working for me,” she says.But the actor now wants to use the momentum differently. Rather than playing safe, Pinto is looking for characters that are markedly different from Sudha.“I also feel like I have the liberty to pick a choice that challenges me as an actor. So right now, what’s exciting to me is to do something that is quite polarising to Sudha,” Pinto says.
‘Musafir Cafe’ success has made Pinto wary of being stereotyped
For Pinto, the challenge goes beyond simply choosing a different character. She is also conscious of how quickly performers can become associated with a particular role when it connects strongly with audiences.“Sudha is like a tried and tested character who people have loved, and my pursuit is to keep her alive. I have the opportunity to do that with Musafir Cafe season two. But I think that will also help me because in our industry, stars are very, very commonly stereotyped. After one character works really well, they will be like, ‘Oh, he can only do this.’ But I want to break that,” she says.
Vedika Pinto calls Sudha a ‘safety net’
The success of ‘Musafir Cafe’ has also given Pinto something she did not previously have — the freedom to take creative risks without feeling that every choice has to immediately translate into another successful project.“There is a safety net. But if I have that safety net, then let’s have some fun also. I really just want to push myself. I have to see what is possible. Maybe some things will work, maybe some things won’t,” she says.For Pinto, that willingness to experiment is becoming increasingly important as the pace of her career changes.The response to ‘Musafir Cafe’ has brought Pinto a more consistent stream of opportunities than she has experienced earlier in her career. She describes the change as both exciting and overwhelming.“Up until now, I didn’t have constant work. So this is the first time in my career and I’m hoping it’s feeling like now the ball is rolling. This is what life is going to be like,” she says.At the same time, the actor acknowledges that the increased workload comes with its own challenges.“It’s hectic, it’s crazy, it’s chaotic, it’s a lot of fun, but you do feel the scarcity.”Despite the growing recognition, Pinto says her ambitions extend beyond simply becoming more popular. She wants the opportunities coming her way to translate into genuine growth as a performer.
Vedika Pinto on aspiring to be known as a ‘good actor’
For Pinto, building a sustainable career is important, but so is developing her craft. She wants audiences and filmmakers to recognise her for the range and quality of her performances rather than associating her solely with one successful character.“While I definitely want to grow and build and be liked and loved by people and all of that, I also do want to hone my craft. I want to be known as a good actor,” she says.
Vedika Pinto’s work slate
According to a recent report by Pinkvilla, Vedika Pinto has joined the cast of director Prosit Roy’s upcoming psychological love story, where she will star opposite Lakshya. The untitled film is expected to blend romance with psychological twists, with the makers considering Vedika a strong fit for the emotionally intense role. The film is likely to go on floors later this year and is slated for a 2027 release. Meanwhile, Vedika will also return as Sudha in the second season of ‘Musafir Cafe’, which premiered on Netflix on July 24 and was recently renewed for Season 2.
