Avika Gor has literally grown up on Indian television. The actress, who first struck a chord with the audience as the child bride, Anandi in Balika Vadhu, has worked almost non-stop in television and films. Ask the 23-year-old if she regrets working without a break, and she replies, “I did take a break for about a year in 2017 after my stint on Sasural Simar Ka ended and before taking up Laado 2 - Veerpur Ki Mardani. It was because I wanted to be sure if I really wanted to act, as back then I seemed more inclined towards dancing and direction. During the transformation phase, too, I had considered taking a long break before returning as a totally new person. However, I am glad I didn’t do that, as that would have affected my connection with the audience .”

She insists that despite working continuously, she didn’t miss out on a normal childhood. “Success so early on in life can get to your head, but fortunately, I have been surrounded by people, especially my parents, who have kept me grounded. I never felt that I missed out on a normal childhood as I attended school as well as did what I liked — acting and dancing,” she shares.

Meanwhile, Avika has lost 13 kilos in the last few months. However, she says that for her, the transformation has been more internal than external.

She explains, “Physical transformation happened because I focussed on changing from within. Television had made me extremely comfortable with being in the spotlight. I somehow felt that even though I was not giving my 100 per cent, people still loved me. I had this perception that people liked me the way I was, so there was no need to do anything extra. I was doing good professionally, but I wasn’t happy. The reason was that I wasn’t giving my 100 per cent, not just physically, but mentally as well. For instance, I used to attempt screenplay writing, but then, I stopped paying attention to it. However, on my birthday (June 30), it struck me that I owe my audience my 100 per cent.”