Acting like an extra curriculum: `Gippi` actor Riya Vij

Mumbai: Riya Vij, who is debuting with ‘Gippi’, says acting is like "an extra curriculum". Studying to become a dentist, she would take up movie assignments as long as it doesn`t affect her academics. Riya said: "I didn`t really think about acting, but when the opportunity came, I grabbed it. I was into studies and want to become a dentist, but this (acting) was a great experience. It`s like an extra curriculum, but I really enjoyed it." "I would still like to become a dentist, but yes, if an opportunity comes, I will grab it. Till the time acting doesn`t affect my studies I am okay with it," she added. A 9th grade student, Riya gets support from her family. "My family is very open-minded. There were no dos and don`ts. They were as excited as me because it was a new thing. They were supportive." Produced by Dharma Productions and directed by first time director Sonam Nair, ‘Gippi’, the story of a teenage girl and how she tackles changes in her life, is slated for a May 10 release. IANS