I am a Pune girl.
My dad was in the Army and I was born in Kashmir. As a child, I travelled all over the country.
After Dad retired, we settled in
Pune. I studied in S P College and came to Mumbai in 1998 to
participate in the Miss India contest.
I did a lot of ramp shows and television commercials like Sprite, Bru, Dabur, Ponds, Santoor, Colgate, Philips and Breeze.
I didn't enjoy the ramp much, but I enjoyed doing commercials. I made a lot of friends in Mumbai.
Not many know I made my acting debut with the television serial Noorjehan.
I had not thought about becoming an actor, but when Cinevista offered me the lead role in Noorjehan, I decided to give it a shot.
Before the shoot, I had to go
through rigorous classes in Urdu diction, acting and horse-riding! It
was an unforgettable experience.
Balaji Telefilms' Kutumb (2001) made me a household name.
The serial was different from all
the others that were airing on television at the time. The story of a
couple who hate each other's guts but still end marrying to each other
intrigued everyone.
Not love at first sight
I met Hiten [her husband and co-star in both Kutumb and Kyunki...]
four years ago in Hyderabad. We were on location for the shoot of the
Breeze ad film. It was such a hectic two-day schedule that we barely
exchanged a couple of sentences with each other.
But Destiny had other plans.
A few months later, we met again on the sets of Kutumb [see image].
Again,
I was completely wrapped up in my work and the rigours of shooting for
a daily soap. The work was exhausting and the cast humungous.
The Kutumb sets weren't exactly the perfect setting for a love match. Still, it happened.
Love took me completely by surprise. One moment, Hiten and I were simply friends and the next we were madly in love!
Our courtship went on for two years. During this time, I got to know him really well.
The phrase 'nice guy' fits him to a T. He is a very caring and kind person.
These were the qualities attracted me to him the most. Like me, success hasn't changed him. He still remembers his roots.
We
were married in May (2004) in a simple ceremony in Pune. This was
followed by a small do in Mumbai, attended by close friends and family.
My parents are extremely happy. They have always wanted to see me well-settled.
Married for a year!
Hiten and I recently celebrated our first Diwali after marriage.
We
had a family get-together in Pune. It was the first time after our
marriage that both families met up. It was wonderful and relaxing.
Marriage calms you down -- it has calmed me. I was pretty short-tempered earlier, but marriage has had a soothing effect on me.
Hiten and I knew each other really well before we tied the knot, so there haven't been any surprises or shocks after marriage.
Working together on the same show also helps -- we are not only partners in rhyme, but also partners-in-crime!
After marriage, it was weird initially -- going to work together, shooting the whole day and coming back home together!
Since both of us are pretty chilled-out people, the lack of space is not an issue.
We are constantly shooting for our serial and barely get time for other activities.
But we have a very strong support system -- our families. They are there with us and for us whenever we need them.
Since the popularity of Kyunki... Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi... is increasing, fans surround us when we go out. We do experience a certain lack of privacy.
I feel it all depends on the individual and how you handle the situation.
We don't get too bothered by all this. We make time for cozy dinners or catch a film at the nearest multiplex.
We don't want to miss out on the small pleasures of life. That's what keeps us grounded.
The biggest relationship tip I can offer is: Don't judge your partner.
We don't judge our parents, siblings or close friends. But in a man-woman relationship, this [judgements] always crops up.
Accept the person for what he or she is. As you go along, adjustments will happen.
Travelling gives me a buzz
I really enjoy travelling. One of my favourite getaways is Goa. I head there every New Year's with close friends.
Other
cities that give me a buzz are New York, London and Singapore. There is
no place like New York! I love shopping there and also catching up on
Broadway.
I would love to travel more in India; I am looking forward to visiting Ladakh and Kerala.
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