Showbiz may function on the out-of-sight-is-out-of-mind premise, but Vikas Manaktala doesn't mind taking the gamble. In a career spanning 12 years, the actor has only four shows to his credit.

Instead of scurrying from one daily soap to another, Manaktala says he would rather give the nod to projects that offer him a chance to showcase his craft. As he slips into the role of Raja Gangadhar Rao, husband to Rani Laxmibai, for the period drama Khoob Ladi Mardaani… Jhansi Ki Rani, Manaktala says he prepped for several months before facing the arc lights.