Keisha's Shorty confession - I'M SO EMBARRASED'

The talented soap star tells why she can’t always hold her head up high!

- Rebekah Hebenton

Since she first arrived in Ferndale, Rani Mandal has been relentless in trying to win the affection of her crush. The teen’s tenacious pursuit of Louis, played by Henry Rolleston, is cringe-worthy watching for Shortland Street viewers. And Keisha Jayapuram, who plays lovestruck Rani, says it’s hard for her to stomach as well!

“There’s no way I could talk to a guy like that or have that confidence. Sometimes when I’m in my bed and I’m reading the script, I’m like, ‘Please Rani, don’t do this!’”

The 17-year-old admits that of all the dramatic storylines she’s had on the show, which include being kidnapped and watching her TV mum Zara Chakraborty almost die, the scenes where Rani throws herself at Louis are the hardest to perform.

“I’m just so awkward when it comes to those intimate scenes,” she admits. “When I kissed Louis in the wheelchair, we didn’t actually kiss because I didn’t feel comfortable. And even though we faked it, it was so embarrassing. That was really hard to do.”

Keisha has gained many fans in her three years on the show, but none more passionate than her parents Avi and Priya.

Not every mum or dad would be so supportive of their teenage daughter chasing her acting ambitions, but there was never a moment of hesitation for the doting pair. Whether it’s taking her to Los Angeles for an acting workshop or helping her prepare for auditions, they have always supported Keisha’s dream.