For audiences, Avika Gor continues to remain synonymous with Anandi from the TV show Balika Vadhu, which she starred in at a very young age. Nearly 18 years later, she says people still address her by the character’s name — something she cherishes.

“I feel so proud. I don’t want people to stop calling me that. In an actor’s life, very few characters get the opportunity to become part of someone’s family. I love being Anandi, and I would want that till the end of time” she says.

Working as a child actor also meant there were moments when she questioned whether acting was truly what she wanted to pursue in the long term. She admits there was a phase during her college days when she consciously stepped away to reassess her priorities.

“I took a break and eventually realized that acting was what I wanted to pursue after all. People have seen my journey — from getting married on screen at an early age to now being married in real life, so having my life in the public eye doesn’t affect me,” she says.

The actress also points out that she has always tried to be honest about her struggles and beliefs. She adds, “I’ve spoken about my transformation, about hating myself and the journey of starting to like myself. I’ve rejected endorsements of products I don’t believe in. I’ve always been honest about who I am.”

Avika recently moved base from Mumbai to Bangkok with her husband, Milind Chandwani. Talking about it, she says, “We were always in a long-distance relationship while dating because of our work and studies. He received a great opportunity on the professional front, and there was no reason for us to turn it down. It was important for his growth and career, and at the same time, as newlyweds, it also gave us our space.”

While Bangkok is now home, Avika continues to travel for shoots across Mumbai, Hyderabad and other locations. “I am going to be all over,” she smiles, adding that the arrangement works because both she and Milind make conscious efforts to spend time together despite packed schedules.

“A few days ago, he surprised me by coming to Hyderabad just to spend some time together. I also like the idea of doing regular things, such as taking the metro and buying groceries in Bangkok — things that I haven’t done in Mumbai,” she says.