My parents never pushed me into the world of glamour: Avika Gor

Avika Gor is a name that has not only made its way into our hearts, but also has left many realize that with correct guidance and skills, one can spread her wings and fly high. Merely 18 years and with shows like Balika Vadhu, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Sasural Simar Ka to her credit, she has tasted all the success in the glamour world.

After witnessing much adulation, she is still very much focused and grounded. As she exited from Sasural Simar Ka, Avika spoke to us about her wonderful journey, her aspirations, rumours of being linked with her co-star and many more, in a heart to heart conversation with Tellychakkar.com.

Excerpts.

How has your journey been throughout Sasural Simar Ka?

It has been a rollercoaster ride for me playing Roli in Sasural Simar Ka. My character has witnessed many changes in her character sketch. From positive to turning envious of Simar, to grey shades, to back again as the loving sister, it has gone through it all. Hence, I completely feel blessed to be a part of this project.

What made you quit Sasural Simar Ka?

To be honest, it was a very tough decision for me to make an exit from SSK. At 18, every teenager like me tries to figure out the goals and works towards building a career. I already have an established career. So, now, I believe it’s the apt time to try out different options that I would love to pursue them in the future. And now, as I will get time to focus on other things, I will be able to decide what exactly I want to do in life, whether it is direction or dancing or anything else.

Apparently, the reason behind your exit from SSK is due to your commitment towards South films. Don’t you think that doing regional films might restrict the viewership?

Well, this is absolutely not true. Even while shooting for South films, I was working on SSK. It’s not the greed of doing films, rather I really want to explore myself now. Television has always been the bigger medium and perhaps that is the reason why stars like Salman Khan, even after having blockbuster films opt for shows like Bigg Boss.

What are you planning to do now?

For the time being, I am not going to take up any project. I have enrolled myself for a script writing course at New York Film Academy and I am concentrating on that as of now. Along with that I am learning to play guitar, shaking my legs in my Zumba classes and of course learning to drive.

Aren’t you scared that your disappearance from television might affect your popularity?

See, I was never trained in acting. But, as I stepped into the profession, people loved my work. They respected my skills and welcomed me in their hearts with arms wide open. Recently, when I visited Vietnam, I realized that many of my fans were not aware about known Bollywood faces, but they did know me. So, I feel blessed to have received their love and appreciation. And I am pretty sure that, those who have loved me will continue to do so.

There are rumours about you and Manish dating. So, do you think with your exit such rumours will lose its way to the gossip mongers?

Yes, there is quite a lot of buzz about our ‘so called’ relationship. But we have always been very clear in our mind about that. He has been my best friend, with whom I can openly share my thoughts and in the coming days we are going to be like this. I really don’t pay much heed to gossip mongers’ appeal as we are very clear about our thoughts.

What is your message for Mansi, who is stepping into your shoes?

In the past, even Sara (Khan) was cast opposite Manish (Raisinghan), though she essayed the role of Maya. During that time as well audiences wanted me and Manish to be together. But, they have to understand that we are merely playing our characters as actors and even Mansi is also playing a separate character. Last time I had to express my views on Twitter sharing the same thoughts; now I really hope Mansi will be well accepted.

How is your rapport with Dipika (Kakar)? How has she reacted on the news?

I will narrate an incident to you here. Last year Dipika decided to leave the show and made an exit. Even at that time I was very depressed like rest of the cast. Much to our surprise, she came back to the sets the very next day. Now, when I was leaving, the only thing she said to me was that she really hopes something similar to happen this time as well and I change my decision to stay back with the series. (After a pause), Well she has also written a poem for me, which is too personal to share.

You started your career at a very early stage. Do you think that parents push their children way too much in the world of glamour?

My parents have always given due priority to my studies. They made it very clear that without education, I can achieve nothing. I enrolled myself in Mithibai College for further studies. But, after a year decided to continue my graduation through distant education as I was more comfortable that way. But when I see kids nowadays, I really feel that they are being pushed way too much. Parents should always take note of the fact that the most important thing is to figure out whether the kid actually enjoys the limelight or not. I have always enjoyed that part; hence, my parents never stopped me. I think guardians really need to put their thoughts before forcing their kids into something.

Earlier in many interviews you have stated that you aspire to take part in Miss Universe. Is the dream still there?

(Laugh) I have a bigger dream now. I now wish to judge Miss Universe contest rather than being a contestant in it.

We hope Avika someday you will be able to achieve your dreams.