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.

After tying the knot with entrepreneur Milind Chandwani last September, actor Avika Gor has permanently moved her base to Bangkok, we have exclusively learnt. Confirming the news, she says, “We’ve even bought a house there, which I’ve been setting up as per my taste.”

Explaining the decision, Avika tells us, “Milind and I realised it’s a better opportunity for him when it comes to work there. For me, it felt exciting. We have always believed in supporting each other to grow, even when we were dating for seven years.”

She adds that her profession has never tied her to one city: “Even when I was in Mumbai, I was shooting in Hyderabad, Rajahmundry or Visakhapatnam. I realised it doesn’t have to be Mumbai where I have my base.”

She adds that her work commitments in India remain unchanged. “I’ve only been there for about a month and I’m mostly in Hyderabad or Mumbai because of work,” she says, adding that setting up the new home has been special: “For the first time, I’m deciding everything myself, from the furniture to how the house will look.”

She may have debuted onscreen at a young age, but for actor Avika Gor, writing has always been a calling. “I was 15 when I wrote a script for the short film I, Me, Myself. It was selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner and subsequently nominated at the Berlin Film Festival, where I became the youngest writer in the Original Screenplay Category,” she tells us, adding that writing took backseat once acting took off.

Now, the 28-year-old has launched her first book, Trust Fall. She conceptualised this love story with shades of a spy thriller back in March, and the process took six months. “I embarked on this journey with a lot of passion to tell a story I believe in. I created six drafts; finally, the seventh was the final one that, along with the editor, gave me the confidence,” she shares. She is already working on a second book, having “agreed upon” the parts for the sequel.

“This is turning into my year, with my engagement in June, wedding in September and now this book launch. I was working on the book silently, writing past midnight... It’s a surprise for my parents and friends, but the biggest is for my husband Milind (Chandwani, entrepreneur), for whom it turned into a wedding gift from me,” she gushes.

Avika Gor is all set to get married to fiancé, entrepreneur Milind Chandwani (34) on September 30.

Interestingly, the celebrations will be televised on a reality show that couple is part of. Confirming the news, Avika admits that the reality of it all is still sinking in. “There are days when I wake up and remind myself that it’s real. I feel very lucky and blessed to have found a partner who supports me, understands me, and always pushes me to grow in life,” she tells us.

Ask about her decision to get married on national television and the 28-year-old says it comes from a deeply personal place. “I’ve been in the public eye since 2008, and the love I’ve received has been overwhelming. I wanted my audience to also be a part of this special moment; in some way, I manifested this,” she says, adding, “I always used to tell my parents, ‘I will either do a court marriage that no one will get to know about, or have a grand wedding that the whole world will celebrate.’ It’s like my childhood dream is coming true.”

The actor reveals that both her family and Milind’s were supportive of the decision: “My mum was so emotional when the wedding invite was revealed on set. Now, with everyone involved, it feels like a big fat Indian wedding. We will send out the invites after we visit the Siddhivinayak Mandir today on the first day of Navratri, making this all the more special.”

No relationship is perfect, and it’s okay to be messy and chaotic — as long as there is love. That’s what the Balika Vadhu and Sasural Simar Ka actor Avika Gor and Milind Chandwani have learnt from their experience on the reality show Pati Patni Aur Panga. While Gor initially hesitated to open up on camera, Chandwani embraced the chance to try something new. Set to tie the knot soon, the couple, in conversation with mid-day, talks about love, pet peeves, reality TV, and what they’ve taken away from the show. Excerpts from the interview.

Avika: Our story is rather funny. Within a week of knowing him, I was sure of him, which might seem rather weird to a lot of people, but I was sure of where my life was heading. He friend-zoned me for six months.

Milind: I wasn’t looking for something temporary or short-term. I think anything long-term deserves its own time for exploration — understanding each other, what works and what doesn’t. That’s why I told her to be friends for six months. She was helping me with my social work at that time as my NGO was scaling from three cities to 10, and Avika was monumental in that direction. It was also a way to get to know each other better. It’s been six years now, and it’s pretty permanent.

A: I’m still thinking about it because I have never agreed to appear on any reality show — I don’t like too much of my personal life going out into the public domain. I’ve been quite image-conscious. It’s something I’m still working on and learning. I still have walls up when there are cameras around, but I don’t want to disappoint people. I think I’ll be a little more diplomatic, which is something I’ve been trained to be since I was young. But seeing Milind go all out and have that conviction in our relationship and in us as individuals — that’s reaffirming. He doesn’t see flaws as flaws. He feels reality is something that will attract people to know us better and love us more. His perception is slowly changing mine. I was worried about how much they would show and what would happen. Every time I was approached for Bigg Boss, I avoided it because it meant too much information going out. But seeing him, I felt maybe it’s a fear I need to conquer. Over time, I’m learning to be real with the audience. People are curious to know who the real Avika is — this is my opportunity to connect with them.

M: I think my conviction comes from the fact that I know Avika. I feel her personality off camera is even more phenomenal. I always tell her, ‘I wish the world got to know the real Avika’. She is so much more than all her characters put together. As for me, I’m just too quirky, I like trying new things. I say yes to anything and everything that life throws my way. So, when Pati Patni Aur Panga came to us, I felt that if Avika was okay doing it, I’d be open to it. I feel the audience, who already love her, will love her even more — and maybe love this damad a little too in the process.

A: I feel I can trust the channel because I have worked with them for so long. They always respect my decision when I refuse to be part of Bigg Boss. They treat me as their own, so I have a sense of comfort with them. I feel safe with them. I feel it is a lovely bias that they treat me like their daughter.

A: I wasn’t expecting to have so much fun with everyone. I’m learning a lot about marriage on this show. Every couple is either married or has been with each other for decades, so I get to learn from their experiences.

M: What I’m enjoying on the show is the unfiltered chemistry between the couples. That’s what I’m taking away from it. It’s a powerful show — it proves that relationships don’t have to be perfect. They can be messy, chaotic, full of nok-jhoks. I’m realizing that nothing needs to be perfect as long as you can bear each other and want to wake up next to the person you love.

M: I love how kind she is — my students, NGO, and family have all witnessed it. Whenever she gets an opportunity and doesn’t pursue it, she makes sure to extend it to someone she knows would be perfect for it. That’s my favourite quality about her. I love how innocently smart she is. She has a sharp brain, it shows in how she processes information, communicates, and engages in conversation. I may be academically smart on paper, but we balance each other perfectly on the show.

A: It’s his habit to acknowledge the best parts of everything and everyone. He’s positive and has a way of seeing that in others, too. Secondly, he says yes to every new experience, no matter what the situation is.

Actor Avika Gor has checked a milestone off her bucket list. The 27-year-old was invited to represent the Indian entertainment industry at a special lunch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence, in honour of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s state visit on August 1.

“The minute we met, PM Chinh told me, ‘Of course I recognize you’. It was beautiful,” she gushes, adding, “I spoke to Modi ji in Gujarati, we have that connection.”

Gor, who shot to fame for her roles in television shows like Balika Vadhu and Sasural Simar Ka, is used to recognition from Indian fans. “But getting this response from (the Vietnamese attendees) and being in that space with both PMs just melted my heart,” she shares.

Recalling how she nearly missed out on this opportunity, the actor says, “When I got the first call, I thought somebody was joking... Later, I responded by saying I was in Mumbai, not Delhi and wouldn’t be able to make it. But my dad pushed me,” adding, “I’ve dreamt of speaking about my country and representing the industry, but all of it happening this early in my career wasn’t in my plan... It validated that I’m on the right path.”

Considering the fact that web releases are consumed by cinewatchers at a time that’s most convenient to them, the OTT boom has eased the stress related to a ‘Friday box-office performance’. But the day of his film’s release is still a euphoric one for Mahesh Bhatt, who has spent decades keeping tabs on the opening numbers of his movies. Bhatt’s Disney+ Hotstar production Bloody Ishq, which aired on the platform on Friday, opened to mixed reviews. What makes the offering particularly special, however, is that it marks a prominent commercial release for actor Avika Gor, who acquired immense fame as a child actor for her role in the teleshow, Balika Vadhu.

The casting, though unusual, is not a surprising move, given the fact that Bhatt has consistently invested in actors instead of ‘stars’. “[Late producer] Rajkumar Barjatya told me something vital during [the filming of] Saaransh [1984]. I was in search of a producer for the film. Sanjeev Kumar was a dear friend. People had assumed that Sanjeev would lead the film while Anupam [Kher] would be the second lead. But Anupam insisted that he lead it. He [spoke with] passion, and I agreed. When Sanjeev saw the film, he admitted that he wouldn’t have been able to do what Anupam did. Mr Barjatya told me, ‘You pick the actor you believe in, kyunki, ultimately, chalti toh picture hi hai’. Today, Anupam has done 500 movies, and Saaransh was a defining one for him. Since the release of Raaz, we have predominantly worked with new people. When the hoopla passes, the movie stays with you,” says Bhatt, lamenting that today, producers choose to invest in stars to make a project “safe”.

Calling the new breed of movie-makers “risk averse”, he says, “Moneybags know that star power makes a project safe. But, I don’t want to rely on the star to do well. I want our story to hold people’s attention.”

Easily among the names who’ve contributed to creating the identity of horror films in Indian cinema, Bhatt believes the decision to determine if the genre has evolved significantly over the years rests with the audience.

“We achieved a breakthrough with Raaz. Horror, until then, was seen with disdain. By stitching good music and keeping human relationships at the narrative’s core, we made a spectacular film. And while we made several franchises in the genre, I don’t think [today’s filmmakers] have been able to break new ground as storytellers. Filmmakers of yesteryear had a gambler’s spirit. Now, executives decide when to greenlight films. Storytelling today is not as path-breaking as it was a decade ago.”

He points to his daughter Pooja Bhatt’s film, Jism (2003), to further his case. “No one thought that a leading lady would promote the idea that ‘the body knows no love, just lust’. To make edgy, neurotic films, you need a free pass.”

Even though production houses have become commercially aware in the aftermath of the setbacks they faced during the pandemic, several artistes have faced challenges due to the industry’s changing norms. “It is difficult to make content these days. Even in Hollywood, people who have been in the industry for years are seeking alternate jobs. The industry is in shambles. The traditional way of movie-making is getting outdated.”

Avika Gor, known for her role in Balika Vadhu, transitioned from a child star to a leading actress with the Telugu film Uyyala Jampala. Recently, she has garnered attention for her notable physical transformation, documented through her social media posts.

In an interview with us, the actress spoke about her fitness journey, saying, “I’ve lost a few kilos recently, or maybe more than a few. It’s been quite a rollercoaster, resisting the temptation of my favourite desserts – it feels almost like being a ninja dodging laser beams (laughs). It’s challenging; I followed a strict calorie-controlled diet and worked out regularly. Seeing my abs peek through feels very rewarding. I am enjoying this newfound love for fitness and I am truly glad I took control of my life and health before it was too late.”

Recently, the Sasural Simar Ka actress recounted a distressing incident in Kazakhstan where her bodyguard inappropriately touched her during an event. She expressed, “It’s unfortunate that incidents like these are an everyday reality for many women. It’s unacceptable and needs to stop. There was a large crowd at the event, and no one spoke our language, so I just gave him a disgusted look and moved on. I couldn’t do much there, although he apologized.”

Avika says, “There have been substantial improvements, like the diversification of roles and narratives, offering more opportunities for actors and filmmakers. However, it’s concerning that casting decisions are sometimes influenced by social media following rather than talent. While adapting to new technologies and audience dynamics is important, balancing popularity with artistic merit is crucial for maintaining the industry’s creative integrity.”

The actress emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s appearance and physique in the entertainment industry. She explains, “In this industry, where millions are watching and looking up to you, it becomes even more crucial. It’s not just about being a role model; it’s about feeling confident in your skin. I believe in prioritizing fitness and selfcare, but not to the extent of going to extremes or compromising mental and physical well-being. Balance is key—taking care of yourself without succumbing to unrealistic expectations or unhealthy practices.”

Avika Gor recently featured in the music video of Ladki Tu Kamaal Ki with Jamaican cricketer Andre Russell.

The actor who got to dance her heart out in the song with Russell, shares, “Most of the characters I’ve played have been serious, so it was fun to switch things up. I got the chance to wear sexy sarees and explore a different side to me. I realized I was so happy doing that because I’ve always loved to dance.”

The song is directed by Gor’s friend, Palaash Muchhal, and she reveals that when she got to know he is helming the song with Russell, she asked him “again and again” if she could be a part of it.

She says, “It was unbelievable to me that Andre was singing in Hindi. And when I heard the song, I just knew I wanted to be a part of it somehow. I told Palaash if my dates don’t work out, I’ll promote the song nonetheless. But luckily it all worked out and it was a ball to dance with Andre.”

After bursting on the television scene with Balika Vadhu and following it up with Sasural Simar Ka, Avika Gor switched gears to Telugu and Kannada movies. Her heart, however, was set on Hindi cinema. Luckily, it’s Bollywood calling Gor as she headlines 1920: Horrors Of The Heart, the latest instalment in filmmaker Vikram Bhatt’s 1920 franchise.

“Vikram sir was so keen on having me in the film that he didn’t conduct any auditions for my role. I did not expect calls from Bollywood filmmakers this soon. I was thinking of continuing in the south [film industry] for a while, so that people could take notice of me,” says the actor.

In the past, Gor has done some small-budget Hindi movies, but she believes that the Krishna Bhatt-helmed venture might just be the ticket to Bollywood. She knows she is in safe hands with Vikram, who comes with years of experience in crafting horror movies.

“Most filmmakers come with the know-it-all attitude, but Vikram sir is not one of them. He is still learning and trying to grow. On set, when we shot the film with LED screens, he’d practice a lot before we went on floors,” shares the actor, who will be seen alongside Rahul Dev and Barkha Bisht in this horror flick.

She adds that Vikram upped the ante by employing Unreal Engine—an advanced 3D creation tool for photoreal visuals and immersive experiences—to shoot the horror thriller.

“This is the first time I shot something like this, with screens, and without an actual set. I have done a horror comedy before, so I had an idea of how these sequences are shot. But it was challenging to make it look convincing,” says Gor, who also turned producer this year with the Telugu film, Popcorn.

Actor Avika Gor is looking forward to a busy year ahead, with back-to-back projects in the Hindi and South Indian film industries. What she probably is most excited about, however, it is her production Popcorn, which was announced recently.

Ask her what it is about cinema that she would want to explore further, and Gor says, “I love cinema as a whole. Even when I am watching a movie with my friends and family, what I am actually looking at are the VFX and learning something from there. That’s the kind of love I have for cinema.”

Even on the set of the upcoming film 1920: Horrors Of The Heart, her Bollywood debut, Gor tried to learn filmmaking techniques. “Whenever I had time, I’d go to the PCR (production control room) and figure out how they were working with VFX. I tried to learn as much as possible as I really feel there is a lot more that I can do,” says the Balika Vadhu actor.

Gor is certainly mesmerized by the charm of the big screen, but would she rather release her debut film on OTT, which is considered a safe bet for producers these days? “I have very consciously decided to release the film in theatres. We want the youth to take their families out and have an experience. When it comes to business, streaming platforms have made our jobs easy, but I am crazy enough to do something courageous,” says the 25-year-old actor.

Gor is willing to put in the hard work that releasing a film in the theatres needs. “You have to have long meetings with distributors, go all out to market your film and do a hundred other tasks. I feel if, we put in so much effort to make a good project, only then the audience will come to the theatres,” she wraps up.

A recent video of actor Riva Arora (12), in which she was seen romancing 38-year-old actor Karan Kundrra, left social media users infuriated. They blasted Arora and her mother for the choice of her role. Amid all this, actor Avika Gor, who also began her career as a child actor, weighs in on the controversy.

Gor recalls, “When I did Sasural Simar Ka, I was paired with Manish Raisinghan, who was 18 years older than me. However, everyone in the team — including the writers — were clear that there wouldn’t be a romance [or any other scene] that seemed out of place. Everything was within limits. None of my scenes had any intimacy and they (makers of the show) respected the fact that I was a 14-year-old.”

Now 25, the actor talks about the time when she and the show’s creators faced criticism for casting her opposite a 30-year-old male. She continues, “Age becomes a concern when scenes start looking vulgar and start becoming unhealthy for the kid. All kinds of things about the pairing were said, but the only response the writers and I had was — there is no vulgarity or intimacy because of the fact that I was young.”

Citing the example of the film Paa (2009), in which Vidya Balan played Amitabh Bachchan’s mother, she adds, “Age shouldn’t matter if things are done respectfully,” she concludes.

Actor Avika Gor is all set to step into Hindi cinema with filmmakers Mahesh Bhatt and Vikram Bhatt’s 1920: Horror Of The Hearts. But this isn’t her first stint in films. She has dabbled in Telugu and Kannada movies before, and has learnt the ropes of the trade. The 25-year-old adds that there are many boxes one has to tick before agreeing to do a project. “I want the producer to be at a certain level so that I know the film will be released,” she emphasizes and adds that even the technical team matters a lot to her.

“There are, for example, good editors, so then that trust factor comes in. I remember choosing movies just because of my gut feeling, since I thought it was a great film. But I was made to realise that I needed to see if everything else was falling into place. Do I want to work with a hero over 50? Maybe not. Maybe right now it doesn’t fit into my career. Maybe that will happen later. I haven’t personally focused on it much, but I completely understand [why] a lot of people [might do so], because at the end of the day, this is how we all earn our bread and butter,” explains Gor, who was recently seen in the Telugu movie, Thank You.

Ask her where money ranks on her list of priorities when signing a project, and the Care Of Footpath 2 star says, “If you look at my work and the films I have done, I have actually worked with a lot of new producers, fresh directors and fresh heroes. I trusted them with the content and story that they had. I genuinely believe that money and everything will keep happening, because at the end of the day, this industry has a lot of budgets for actors.”

After making a mark on television, Avika Gor ventured into Telugu and Kannada films. It is only now that the actor has given her nod to a Hindi film, 1920: Horror Of The Hearts.

Talking about her thought process behind her project choices, Gor shares, “All the characters I have done till now, in all my films down south, there’s one common thing: I had a lot to do in them. I have never done a film if the story doesn’t revolve around my part in it, or if I am just a prop. There are many big projects I had to let go of because of this particular reason. I am absolutely satisfied saying no.”

The 25-year-old emphasizes that she can’t just be “eye candy” in a film. “I didn’t want to be just a glam doll. People have appreciated the way I act, they have seen talent [in me] that they can look up to. It has become like a responsibility, to give them that quality in my work.”

The actor, who shot to fame with Balika Vadhu, is of the opinion that she can’t give her fans anything uninteresting, as the re-runs of her television shows are still available. “Why will the audience pay to go to a theatre to watch me, when they can watch me on TV anytime? I have to give them challenging and good work. If I am just eye candy, I won’t be happy doing it either,” Gor signs off.

She’s not one to shy away from talking about her personal life. Actor Avika Gor is out and proud about dating Milind Chandwani (social activist and founder of an NGO). “I am not really bothered about the constant talk around my personal life. I love talking about the person I am dating. I love showing that off,” says the 24-year-old, who is set to make her Bollywood debut with 1920: Horrors Of The Heart.

The actor adds that she’s often dissuaded from talking about her love life. “They (people) keep telling me, ‘You should be a little secretive about your personal things.’ But I have always believed that people have seen me grow. I started working at the age of seven and they have literally seen everything that’s happened in my life. I feel if something makes me and my family happy, people should know about it, too,” asserts Gor, who loves “the idea of getting so much attention”.

She was the original Balika Vadhu of TV and audiences loved her portrayal of the young, innocent Anandi. But Avika Gor grew up too soon on the small screen, and at 14, she was seen playing a grown-up in Sasural Simar Ka. But that didn’t hamper her career, it actually helped her hone her craft, she says.

At 24 today, Avika is happy with the way her career has shaped up. She has made a name for herself in the Telugu film industry and is now gearing up for her Bollywood debut. She has also turned producer and is in the process of making her first South film. In a candid chat, Avika talks about her different-yet-normal childhood, her career plans and how she manages her long-distance relationship. Excerpts...

It was a conscious decision. I was doing Sasural Simar Ka when I was around 14, but I was playing a 20-year-old on the show. So, I knew that people were looking at me as a grown-up. Around that time, I was approached for a few Hindi film projects, but they were not the kind that I would want to get launched with. I decided to start with South movies and then move to Bollywood with that experience, which I felt would add value.

I have done more than 15 films in different South languages. It’s nice to see South films now getting national and international recognition. The perception of South cinema has changed, Bollywood has taken notice and also the audience. Pushpa, RRR and KGF have proven that cinema has no language barriers anymore.

The reason I did not want to take a break was because in Sasural Simar Ka, people saw me as a grown-up, so they already knew how I would look after growing up. Yes, I know some child artistes who have taken breaks and returned a few years later, but in my case, I did not want to do that. Also, I loved being on the set every day and couldn’t think of not doing that anymore! But after Sasural Simar Ka, I took a year-long break from TV before my next show, Laado. That break was mainly for me to decide what I really wanted to do in life. I learned a lot of things, from editing to directing, but I also realised that I love being in front of the camera. So, then it was just about grooming myself as an actress. I knew there was a lot I could do. In the beginning, I took things for granted, but later, when I started to work on myself, everything changed.

I am very proud of it. I remember my directors telling me to stand in a certain way because I should look like a grown-up. That’s when I learnt that as an actor, you have to do different things for a character. I have never gone to an acting school, so these shows were like an acting school for me. The space and the dedication TV actors and writers have is amazing. When I do films now, if the team asks me to stay a bit longer and complete a shoot, I totally understand that.

There were times when I felt that way, but within a day or two, I would be fine. I remember once I wanted to go for a night’s stay at a friend’s place and my mom let me go. That made me feel that I was like any other girl my age. Even now, I do a lot of regular things, but at the same time, I also get to do a lot of different things, like I have been travelling for a month. I don’t think anybody my age would be able to do that.

I had people approaching me for work and everything was fine, but I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t comfortable in my skin. Then I worked on myself and began losing those extra kilos. I started feeling more confident and realised that I could be the best version of myself. I was cribbing because I wasn’t trying enough. So, I tried my best and I’m proud that I did not give up during that period. The moment I started working on what was bothering me, I realised that I really like myself and this is one thing that I am doing for myself.

This film has a story and a character which every actor dreams of! It’s challenging. People in the South appreciate my script selection. Mahesh Bhatt has written this film and Vikram Bhatt is producing it, so there was no reason to not accept such a good offer. I am in talks for more films now.

Being an actor has made me a better producer. I know how much hard work goes into making a movie. So I think in my case, it’s a good combination, and I am happy doing what I am.

I remember telling Milind that I wanted to get married on the second day that I met him. That’s the kind of restless person I am. He is very sensible. He is not from the industry. Ours is a long-distance relationship, but we make sure to take out time for our holidays. That’s how we manage our relationship.

Avika Gor was recently in Kazakhstan to attend the premiere of her first Kazakh film, I Go To School. As she aims to be known as a global actor, she hopes that her first tryst with international cinema proves to be “a stepping stone into the bigger picture”. Ask her if Hollywood is on her mind, too, and she says, “Why not? I would love to be a part of films across languages if I get a good opportunity.”

Gor shares that people in Kazakhstan are familiar with Indian TV soaps. In fact, the likes of late actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor, and actors Shah Rukh Khan and Mithun Chakraborty are quite famous there. Elated to join that list, the young actor is glad to be considered “the face of India” in Kazakhstan now.

“I feel happy and grateful, as not many people have been to Kazakhstan for a premiere. This is a big deal, and it feels amazing to create history for our country,” says the actor.

So, how did the film happen to her? “Nurlan Koyanbayev, one of the biggest producers there, invited me for his talk show when I was in Kazakhstan in 2014. I’ve visited the country a few times to promote my shows and films. Ever since, we’ve kept in touch,” the 24-year-old elaborates, adding, “He told me that he has a script and he wanted me to be a part of it. I read it and loved it.”

The Balika Vadhu actor remarks that working with a new set of people in a different country wasn’t an uphill task for her.

“I knew the makers since the last eight years. They are my good friends and hence, it was easy for me to trust them and their calibre. I faced no difficulty as such. The way of working is very different, but I was never made to feel left out,” the actor ends.

Pratik Gandhi quickly followed up the raging success of Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story by bagging interesting projects in Bollywood, including Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan? opposite Taapsee Pannu and a yet-untitled rom-com with Vidya Balan. But not many know that another Gandhi-starrer, Kahani Rubber Band Ki, is ready and eyeing a release. Debutant director Sarika Sanjot says that the actor had simultaneously shot for the film and Hansal Mehta’s web series, wrapping up the former just before the first wave of the Coronavirus pandemic hit.

The social drama, which highlights the importance of using condoms, also features television actors Manish Raisinghan and Avika Gor. “Pratik plays Manish’s lawyer and friend. He was the perfect fit for the role. When Pratik hears the script, he asks questions about his character and gives inputs, but leaves the final call to the director. When you give his scene to him, he doesn’t require rehearsals. He takes only 15 minutes before the shot to become the character. He was shooting Scam 1992 at the time and knew that it would do well; despite that, he was so humble,” says Sanjot, who has also written and co-produced the movie.

While the film was initially slated to hit theatres in March 2020, the pandemic played spoilsport. Co-producer Naresh Dudani says, “We wanted to have a theatrical release, but now, we may not have a choice as everything is so unpredictable [due to the third wave].”

The makers are now contemplating an OTT premiere for the film, which will be Gandhi’s second Bollywood release after Bhavai (2021). The director adds, “We completed the post-production through the lockdown and are now looking at an OTT release.”

Actor Avika Gor feels that anyone who attempts to do something different in the industry is trolled. “It’s not just about TV actors; there’s a set of people who aren’t okay with anyone trying to do something different. They have their opinion and we can’t really stop them. They should know where to draw a line. But I don’t think we should waste our time explaining them anything,” she says.

Interestingly, ever since her drastic physical transformation last year, the actor has been receiving offers to play glamorous parts and even characters that require her “to wear swimsuits”, as opposed to the traditional roles that would come her way in the past. “Earlier, actors only played a certain character, as people knew and accepted them in that avatar. But today, the audience is smart. They understand the difference between real and reel. So, actors aren’t required to restrict themselves anymore,” she tells us.

Gor feels that losing weight has given her the confidence to be comfortable in her own skin and wear clothes of her choice: “The change began when I started posting pictures on social media. I put it out clearly that I am happy wearing the clothes I do.”

Happy about the different kinds of offers coming her way now, the Balika Vadhu actor elaborates, “People had a certain perception of me, because in the initial days of my career, they saw me essaying characters of a simple girl. Once they saw me for who I am, they realised I can pull off any role, even glamorous ones. As an actor, I want to keep experimenting, else I’ll end up getting bored.”