Showing posts with label Avantika Dassani. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Avantika Dassani. Show all posts
This birthday, I’m breaking the jinx with a mother-daughter getaway, says Bhagyashree
4:20 PM
Neha Maheshwri (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 23, 2026)
Amid a packed shooting schedule, Bhagyashree could easily have treated her birthday on February 23 like any other working day. Instead, she chose to pause and make the day about family and reflection. This year, she has taken off with her daughter Avantika for a long-overdue mother-daughter holiday.
She says, “This year on my birthday I am taking a off with my daughter Avantika for a mother-daughter bonding holiday. We used to do these regularly, but we haven’t been able to for the last two years. I think now is the time to break that jinx. This feels like the perfect way to celebrate my birthday.”
At home, birthdays are usually a three-day affair. Her father-in-law celebrates on February 21, her son Abhimanyu on the 22nd and she on the 23rd. She adds, “After two massive celebrations, all I want to do is sit in a spa and relax. But like I said, this year is going to be different, as I am taking off for a holiday.”
One ritual, however, remains non-negotiable. She says, “As you grow older, birthdays are just a circle around the sun for another year. But something I follow religiously every year is a full body health checkup. As women, we often take our health for granted. The only way to remember it is to fix it to a significant date. I make sure that happens year after year.”
Her birthday wish this time is closely tied to her work. Having recently wrapped Raja Shivaji, she hopes for the kind of lasting impact that once defined her early career.
“God has always given me more than I have ever wished for, and I feel truly blessed. Since I have just finished Raja Shivaji, I am looking forward to a lot of love coming my way and hopefully having this character etched in people’s minds, just like Suman from Maine Pyar Kiya,” she concludes.
In Tollywood, the story is king and that’s what I love most-Bhagyashree
8:17 AM
Shreya Varanasi (BOMBAY TIMES; November 8, 2025)
Actor Bhagyashree, who has made her mark across Hindi, Telugu, and Bhojpuri cinema, was recently in Hyderabad. In a conversation with Hyderabad Times, she spoke about her admiration for Telugu films, the changing landscape for women in the industry, and how she supports her children, Abhimanyu and Avantika Dassani, in their acting journeys.
‘Telugu cinema stands out for its storytelling and discipline’
Having worked across different industries, Bhagyashree says Telugu cinema continues to inspire her with its discipline and storytelling. “I’ve always found the industry here very disciplined. Shoots start and wrap up on time, and the process is managed efficiently. Discipline makes it easier for everyone on set,” she says.
The actor, who has featured in films like Omkaram (1997), Yuvaratna Rana (1998), and Radhe Shyam (2022), adds that Telugu cinema’s emphasis on content sets it apart. “The story is always the king; everything else is secondary. There are so many unique subjects being made in Telugu cinema today, and each film has something different to offer. It would be an honour to be part of any of them. For me, it’s not about working with a particular person but about experimenting with storytelling and being part of diverse narratives.”
‘Patriarchy still exists, but change is gradual’
Over three decades into her career, Bhagyashree says she has witnessed the film industry evolve in encouraging ways. “Today, you’ll find women working as directors, cinematographers, assistants, choreographers, and makeup artists. Their perspectives are valued,” she notes. “Of course, patriarchy still exists, but change is gradual. What gives me hope is the younger generation, which is far more inclusive and open-minded.”
‘I don’t discuss scripts with my kids till they have chosen one’
Both her children, Abhimanyu and Avantika Dassani, have followed in her footsteps. Bhagyashree says she encourages them to make independent choices while remaining grounded. “The first thing I tell them is to respect everyone on set. The second is to have conviction in their work. Once they commit to a project, they must fully trust the director and give their best,” she says.
“I don’t discuss scripts with them until they’ve made a choice themselves. Once they’ve decided, we discuss how to enhance the subject or build a stronger emotional connection with the audience.”
On the possibility of working together, she adds, “I’m looking forward to a project where we’re all equally excited to collaborate. I would really love that.”
On Raksha Bandhan, Abhimanyu has no choice but to be nice to me-Avantika Dassani
8:30 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 30, 2023)
They may argue at the silliest of issues, from the TV remote to shared spaces. They may not be on the same page in everything. But, they can’t stay away from one another for long — this sums up the bond that actors Abhimanyu (33) and Avantika Dassani (28) share.
What does a typical Rakhi day look like for the siblings — children of actor Bhagyashree and producer-businessman Himalay Dassani? “We usually have a family lunch at our home, with rasawala aloo and puri,” says Abhimanyu.
Apart from being a family affair, Raksha Bandhan serves as a reminder about the sibling bond and its sanctity. “It is a reminder for one of those relationships we take the most for granted. Even if you’re going through a disagreement, Raksha Bandhan reminds you that you always love each other,” says the Nikamma (2022) actor, while his sister adds, “On Raksha Bandhan, Abhimanyu has no choice but to be nice to me!”
Brothers are usually protective about their sisters, and in Abhimanyu’s case, the same holds true. “I love irritating her. But, if someone else makes her cry, they might end up with a broken jaw,” he quips. Avantika, on the other hand, credits her brother as well as cousins for making her a stronger person: “All my brothers have taught me to be tough. For that, I am really grateful.”
Ask how she’d summarise the bond and the Mithya (2022) actor says, “Die or try. We’d either die for each other or try to kill each other!”
I adore Avantika’s kindness, enjoy her sense of humour, tolerate her weirdness-Abhimanyu Dassani
8:30 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 10, 2023)
Growing up, actors Abhimanyu Dassani and Avantika Dassani were surrounded by “a half dozen cousins”. However, amid all the chaos, the two always found support in each other. “Avantika means the world to me,” says Abhimanyu, and Avantika says, “Abhimanyu plays an important role in my journey.” Ask them if there’s an on-screen pair that they resonate the most with, and the duo quip: Ross-Monica (F.R.I.E.N.D.S) and David-Alexis (Schitts Creek).
One of the earliest memories of Avantika having a rock-solid brother was when she was four and the entire family was on a trip to Singapore. “It was our first holiday abroad. Abhimanyu was just nine. Our parents (actor Bhagyashree and businessman Himalay Dassani) had fed us dinner and put us to bed so they could go out and enjoy their evening. However, a few hours later, I woke up hungry. Abhimanyu and I decided to take matters into our own hands and went down to the hotel cafe to order some dal chawal for me. He even fed me himself, not knowing that our parents were sitting right there and watching us in amazement,” Avantika remembers.
A blushing Abhimanyu chimes in, “That moment always brings a smile to my face as it reminds me of the bond and care we share as siblings.”
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If you had to write a bio for your sibling’s dating profile, what would it be?
Avantika: He is the Sundar you are looking for.
Abhimanyu: Boys break trust, but my brother breaks jaws.
One thing you like, dislike and tolerate about each other.
Avantika: I like his perseverance, dislike his untidiness and tolerate his sense of humour.
Abhimanyu: I adore Avantika’s kindness, enjoy her sense of humour, tolerate her weirdness.
There is a reason why my mom was ready to give up all of her life for a man so interesting like my dad-Avantika Dassani
8:13 AM
Avantika Dassani, who made her OTT debut last year, talks about how the platform is providing opportunities to budding actors like her
Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; March 30, 2023)
Avantika Dasani, daughter of actress Bhagyashree, was in Lucknow recently. Avantika, who debuted on the OTT this year, talked about her relationship with her mother and how she plans to make her mark in the industry. Calling herself an ‘OTT Baby’, she says, “I am very excited to see where the web space takes me. Characters that we see on the web are not all goody two shoes. OTT gives you a lot more than what commercial cinema does. There is room being made for everyone and yes, I am very excited about that. The kind of stories, the character, the engagement, that is something that is really exciting. Also, it is a platform where there are different types of people, there isn’t any age barrier, look barrier or anything to be an OTT star. You have to be good at what you do as an actor. Take for example Raveena (Tandon) and Sushmita (Sen) ma’am, who are doing awesome stuff on OTT.”
Just like her mom, Avantika also has drawn some lines for herself for the kind of roles she would like to do. “I don’t like to use the word bold when it comes to such content. However, if ever I do such a scene, there has to be a proper reasoning for that. My openness to doing ‘bold’ stuff in films or OTT definitely has a lot of limits. There is a limit on what is allowed and what is not allowed and maybe it is in my blood and what I have seen around me. I do have my boundary set for bold content.”
Ask Avantika if the younger lot of actors crave to be a film star or if are they happy making their own space on the web, and she says, “To see yourself on the big screen as an actor is lovely and exciting. At the same time, I worked with Rohan Sippy on my web project, where Huma Qureshi was my co-actor along with Parambrata Chattopadhyay and Rajit Kapur. The craving for the big screen is definitely not that much today for the simple reason that the script that we are getting to see on the web is exciting for an actor.”
Avatika’s mom Bhagyashree got married at a very early age. We ask what Avantika has to say about her mom’s decision. “Well, there is a reason why my mom was ready to give up all of her life for a man so interesting like my dad Himalay Dassani. Also, when my mom got married that time was really different than what it is today. The kind of opportunities that I have got are very different from what my mom got. For example, I went to London to study for three years, while my mom didn’t. Today, my mom is a certified nutritionist and has had a successful business and has also done different things in life. Things are really different today,” she signs off.
— With inputs from Vivek Kumar
It’s sad; young gen aims to be slimmer, not healthy-Bhagyashree
8:19 AM
Health is wealth and if one doesn’t take care of themselves and is unable to do their job well, then it’s a shame, says Bhagyashree
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 26, 2023)
Bhagyashree can easily give younger stars a run for their money; she has maintained herself that well. The actor, who turned 54 on February 23, shares that she feels incredibly happy when people praise her: “I can’t express how I feel when people compliment me. Some time back, I was in a really bad condition and had some health issues. But this is a motivation for me to keep my journey healthy.”
She is, however, saddened by the unhealthy dieting fads practiced by many, including those within showbiz: “I feel very sad when I see the younger generation aiming to become slimmer, and not healthy. Health comes first. You can fit into a size four dress and have a cinched waist, but at the end of the day, if you faint, don’t look after yourself and you can’t do your work, then it is pathetic.”
Bhagyashree adds, “I keep laughing at youngsters who go out on dates. The whole idea of having a dinner date is to eat and meet. You have to enjoy your meal! I tell this to all of my daughter Avantika’s friends.”
But what about the changing beauty standards in showbiz? “Fortunately, OTT content has opened up everyone’s minds to more real people. That is what matters right now,” says the actor, who will be seen next in the film Happy Teacher’s Day.
Lastly, she says that what makes her birthday special is that her son, actor Abhimanyu Dassani, celebrates his birthday a day before her! “I just feel happy about that, it surpasses anything that could possibly happen on any other birthday,” she laughs.
I don’t remember the last film that had a damsel in distress-Avantika Dassani
8:19 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 25, 2022)
After bucking the trend by not making her debut with a typical Bollywood masala film, actor Avantika Dassani has chosen a non-Hindi project — a Telugu film — as her second outing. “I take my time to choose different roles, and I am very happy about the response to my web debut, Mithya,” says Dassani, the daughter of actor Bhagyashree, who adds that it is too early to talk about her next as she is “still shooting” for it.
The one thing common between her debut series and the upcoming project is her roles aren’t the damsel in distress stereotype. “I don’t even remember the last film [I saw] that had dancing around the trees or a damsel in distress,” she notes.
The 27-year-old further tells us that she didn’t succumb to the pressure of taking up a Hindi film because she’s trying to keep her ear to the ground. “I want to see what’s working. I am open to everything. I am only picky about the story, characters and people I work with... As an actor, I don’t want to limit myself to anything. All experiences are welcome,” she ends.
Before Mithya released, it was ‘Bhagyashree’s daughter’, but all the reviews had my name in the title-Avantika Dassani
8:13 AM
Avantika Dassani on the drive to live up to her family’s legacy
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 11, 2022)
After making her acting debut with Mithya, where she shared screen space with actor Huma S Qureshi, Avantika Dassani feels it’s inevitable to feel some pressure of hailing from a film background. The daughter of actor Bhagyashree says, “I am not going to say there is no pressure. I want to do it exactly the way my mother or brother (actor Abhimanyu Dassani) did on their own.”
Ask her if being referred to as someone’s daughter or sister gets to her, and she says, “Before the show released, it was ‘Bhagyashree’s daughter’, but all the reviews had my name in the title. So that was nice. Obviously, she is my mother, Abhimanyu is my brother, and I am very proud of them. I am more than happy to be referred to as her daughter and his sister. But I am here to make my name, my identity with my work, and make both of them proud as well.”
In fact, the 27-year-old believes it further motivates her to carve her own path. “They came out with their own decisions and the choices have paid off for them. If there’s something to learn from them, it is the ability to make strong choices which resonate with who I am,” shares Dassani.
Elated with the response her first acting stint fetched her, the actor says it’s an amazing feeling to be appreciated. “The show had such a great cast and crew... I knew it was going to be good when I read the script. The response was just overwhelming,” she ends.
I don’t think the baggage of being a star kid affects you as an artiste-Avantika Dassani
8:13 AM
Making her acting debut with Mithya, Bhagyashree’s daughter Avantika Dassani on landing the web series on her merit
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; February 11, 2022)
Where Bhagyashree made her comeback with a supporting role in Thalaivii last year, her actor-son Abhimanyu Dassani is making his presence felt, one film at a time. Now, following in their footsteps, Bhagyashree’s daughter Avantika Dassani is making her acting debut with Mithya.
At a time when the nepotism debate has highlighted star kids’ easy access to the industry, Avantika insists she landed the show after several rounds of auditions. “I was auditioning for this role just as other actors do. When I told my mom that I got the project, she looked up at me and asked, ‘Which one?’ [Since] I had auditioned for a couple of other projects, she didn’t know which one I had bagged,” says the actor.
She firmly believes that the advantages or pitfalls of being a star kid fall to the wayside when one is facing the camera. “I don’t think the baggage [of being a star kid] affects you as an [artiste]. On set, you are the actor [regardless of your background]. Whether you’re a star kid or a newcomer gets sidelined as long as you stay focused.”
The ZEE5 series sees Avantika as a student who is accused of plagiarism by her professor, essayed by Huma Qureshi. What begins as a matter of academic deception soon snowballs into a mind game between the two. Even as she is proud to have bagged a venture on her merit, the actor admits her family was initially apprehensive about her foray into the industry.
“I am an emotional and sensitive person. Any protective family would be concerned, since this line of work has so many ups and downs, and one has to take criticism [on the chin]. But when you are passionate about [your craft], everything takes a backseat. My family saw I wouldn’t be happy if I wasn’t doing this. From then on, they have been encouraging.”
Bhagyashree’s daughter Avantika to make her debut with Rohan Sippy’s series alongside Huma Qureshi
8:14 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 22, 2022)
It’s evident that Bhagyashree’s kids have inherited her love for movies. In 2019, the Maine Pyar Kiya star’s son Abhimanyu Dassani forayed into Bollywood with the quirky Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota. Three years on, his sister Avantika is ready for her brush with showbiz. mid-day has learnt that she has bagged Rohan Sippy’s yet-untitled psychological thriller, which also features Huma Qureshi and Parambrata Chattopadhyay.
It’s evident that Bhagyashree’s kids have inherited her love for movies. In 2019, the Maine Pyar Kiya star’s son Abhimanyu Dassani forayed into Bollywood with the quirky Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota. Three years on, his sister Avantika is ready for her brush with showbiz. mid-day has learnt that she has bagged Rohan Sippy’s yet-untitled psychological thriller, which also features Huma Qureshi and Parambrata Chattopadhyay.
Abhimanyu Dassani started cooking to impress girls-Bhagyashree
8:37 AM
Suktara Ghosh (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 17, 2020)
Pastas, cookies and sundry delicacies are being whipped up in the Dassani household and it’s chiefly Abhimanyu who’s revisiting his culinary skills. “He started cooking as a teenager so he could impress girls,” spills his mother Bhagyashree even as he rolls his eyes.
The vivacious Maine Pyar Kiya star, belying her 51 years, is at heart the youngest, agree Abhimanyu and his sister Avantika, who describes her as an “enthu cutlet”. Abhimanyu, who debuted last year with Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota (MKDNH), is the go-to person in the family if there are practical problems to be solved, while Avantika is the emotional mainstay. “She’s my heart,” says Bhagyashree of the 25-year-old, who works closely with charities and has varied interests. The family is tight-lipped about rumours of her Bollywood debut.
Abhimanyu, the ladies agree, is the most serious person in the family—to the extent that his mother exhorts him to “lighten up”. “Even when he wins an award and we want to celebrate, he’s not interested,” complains Bhagyashree. For the actor, however, it’s about maintaining a work standard. “This is how I celebrate—by working more,” says Abhimanyu, whose next include Nikamma and Aankh Micholi.
It’s this single-minded focus and not his lineage that Bhagyashree says gave Abhimanyu his movie break. “He stood in lines and gave auditions without ever revealing who he is. We only came to know about MKDNH after he’d signed the film,” she says. Understandably, the nepotism debate is a sore point. “A star kid has a title and nepotism refers to entitlement. I got my first movie at 30 and received none of the attention that many of the other debutants got,” says Abhimanyu.
The trio is used to pulling each other’s legs and it characterises the siblings as well. “I’ve been shooting these videos, in which you will see my brother ask me things like ‘can I punch you?’,” discloses Avantika. “I ask so sweetly and when she says no, I walk away. Who knows, maybe someday she will say yes,” Abhimanyu, who’s always been the protective big brother, grins. “Every time I wanted to go somewhere or do anything, I had to take permission from my parents and him, and mostly he’d say ‘no’,” rues Avantika. “Poor girl could never have a boyfriend because of him,” chips in Bhagyashree, who’s signed a film with Baahubali star Prabhas, with another to be announced soon.
Abhimanyu clearly looks up to Bhagyashree. “I see the respect she still gets for a film she did 30 years ago,” he says. “And she gave it up all to bring up her son.” All said and done, family remains a priority. “I may have stood in lines to get a break, but I’ll never let my family go through anything like that ever,” Abhimanyu says with a smile.
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