After a successful television stint, Avika Gor is now focussing on carving a niche in Tollywood. With eight films lined up, the actor says “being able to speak in Telugu and getting to work in a different industry has given me confidence”.

“They have been churning out really good content, and Bollywood remaking Tollywood films is a testament to their success,” says the Balika Vadhu actor, adding that people have accepted her “with open arms”.

Contrary to popular consensus, Gor never felt working in Tollywood is a “step-down” in her career. But, is she worried about being forgotten by Hindi audience? She says, “I’ll always be connected to my Hindi audience, because of social media. People know what I’m up to. I know my audiences in the North love watching me in Telugu films. Also, doing music videos helps in visibility.”

Gor, 24, plans to strike a balance between Bollywood and Telugu cinema, but states that returning to TV “isn’t on the cards” now.

“I want to be a part of meaningful projects. I could have done a lot of Hindi films, but that wouldn’t have made me happy. People have a lot of expectations from me. I don’t want to disappoint them,” she signs off.