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.

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, who started as a child artiste on TV in the show Balika Vadhu has been in the news in recent times, after she refused to endorse fairness creams. “Unfortunately, we have been fed the wrong notion when it comes to the idea of an ideal beauty standard. Over the years, we have seen many advertisements where being fair is considered to be beautiful and I have never been comfortable with this idea, as your skin tone cannot determine your talent. As an actor, it was a conscious decision to not degrade anyone, but to send out the right message. Beauty is all about being comfortable and happy in your skin,” says Avika. In a candid chat with BT, the actress also spoke about how her life has transformed in the recent times, especially after meeting the love of her life, Milind Chandwani.

The actress surprised many with her transformation last year; she says it wasn’t an easy journey though. Avika says, “There was a time when I was appreciated for my work but I still doubted my talent, felt ugly and didn’t like what I saw in the mirror. I couldn’t figure out where I was going wrong and it took me two-three years to get rid of my weight. Initially, I would become very impatient as I wanted instant results and would be left disappointed. But the day I shifted my perspective, it all changed. I started working out, eating right and kept myself mentally happy. Along with my body, I also had to train my mind to be patient and persistent. Slowly, I started pushing my limits and was amazed by the remarkable results.”

Bollywood is on Avika’s mind, but she says before that she would like to pick up the relevant experience, and hence is currently focussing on Telugu films. She says, “Telugu cinema experiments a lot with content and this has definitely helped me in becoming a better actor.” Avika adds, “I was offered my first Telugu film Uyyala Jampala in 2013 when I was shooting for Sasural Simar Ka. Initially, there was a language barrier and working in a new environment was difficult. However, when I saw the result, I was very happy. After my last movie in 2019, I shot for a few films, which are ready for release.”

Avika and Milind Chandwani (he appeared on Roadies Real Heroes in 2019 and runs an NGO in Hyderabad) made their relationship public last year, and since then, they have never shied away from expressing affection for each other on their social media handles. “Milind holds a very important place in my life. He has really helped me to evolve as a person. He makes me feel very special,” she says. Is there a wedding on the cards? “Milind and I are very spontaneous individuals. When we decided to make our relationship official, we didn’t give it much thought. We both were very sure of each other. Just like that, when we are ready to settle down, we will just do it and surprise everyone,” she signs off.