Proud to be Pavni!

It has been close to two months since Sony’s re-launch happened. While some feel the verdict on the shows is already out, others feel it is too early to comment. Whatever the case may be, the fact that none of the shows have been called off is proof enough that they are doing reasonably well. And in the current scenario, when serials are shutting down at the drop of a hat, that is quite a lot. Palampur Express, one of the shows launched during the revamp, falls in that category. While it has not been a TRP record-breaker, it hasn’t done badly either. TellyChakkar spoke to Pooja Kanwal the leading lady of the show. In an exclusive tete-a-tete, the daughter of veteran actress Anita Kanwal opened up like never before. On her growing up days... I have been watching and idolising my mother since my childhood. I had decided pretty early on in life that I wanted to become an actress. So even while I was studying, the ultimate aim was always to become an actress. I studied in St Xavier’s College for three years after school and completed my plus two from there. I had also enrolled myself for a course in humanities for my graduation, but could not complete it in college. I had to finish my graduation through a correspondence course because of work pressure. I had started modelling since the age of 17. On her mother’s influence in her life... My mother has always been my role model. She has always pointed out my areas of improvement and still does that. I have learned everything about acting from her and she is the reason why I never really needed to go to an acting school. She is my best critic and most ardent fan! My mother has been a source of strength for me since my childhood days and will always continue to be so. On her entry into the glamour world... As I mentioned, I was already into modelling and when Rajshri Productions announced that they were looking for a fresh face for their new film Uff Kya Jadoo Kya Mohabbat, I decided to try my luck. This role had gone to Tanissha and she even shot for close to 60% of the film. Unfortunately, there were some problems after that and she decided to part ways. As luck would have it, I got selected for this role and got my much-needed break! Unfortunately for all of us, the film bombed at the box office . On her entry into television... Thankfully, the flop of Uff Kya Jadoo... did not close the doors of the entertainment industry for me. I started getting offers from regional films and did two Punjabi films, and one Pakistani movie. I have also acted in four Kannada films. I am also on the verge of completing a film – Blue Oranges – which will be released soon. During this time, I kept on getting offers from the television industry. Sadly, none of them were exciting enough for me to say yes. Finally the offer of Palampur Express came while I was shooting for Blue Oranges. It was good, different and had a very meaningful role for me. It was very original and innovative. I said Yes and that is how I entered television. On her special preparation for the role… Pavni is not the typical dolled up heroine that you see in daily soap. She is an athlete, a lady and a strong personality. So I had to prepare quite a bit for this role. I had to change my walk, voice, speaking style and a lot of my actions to suit the role of Pavni. On her satisfaction levels with Palampur Express I am very happy with the way my role has shaped up in the show. I always wanted to do author-backed roles and Pavni (the character she lays in Palampur Express) is one of them. She is determined to win glory for her country, while others in her age group are busy giggling and donning make -up to look good. I think this is the first sports-based serial in India. The sports concept has worked very well in films – Lagaan, Iqbal, Chak De, Jo Jeeta Wohi SIkandar being cases in point. I am sure television will not be any different. In fact, I would like to go on record and say that I am really proud to play the role of Pavni. On Palampur Express not getting very good TRPs as expected... I don’t think we as actors should spend too much of time on TRPs. This is something the broadcaster and production house should be worried about. Our job is to ensure that the role is portrayed well on screen. I am getting a number of offers after Palampur was launched. If it was not successful, would I get so many offers? On her personal life and early marriage plans... Yes it is true that though I am just 24, I am planning to get married to my boyfriend Avinash very soon. He is into jewellery business and we met at the most unlikely of places – his shop. Unlikely because I am not at all into jewellery and had gone to his shop only after my astrologer advised me to get a ring. After we met there, we realised that we had been going to the same gym as well. That is how we came to know each other and after three years of dating have decided to tie the knot in November. I am glad that Avinash is so supportive of my hectic work schedules. On her plans to participate in reality shows... I am a trained jazz and kathak dancer. I have been attending Birju Maharaj’s workshops for quite some time. I think dance is a very good form to destress yourself. So, I would naturally like to participate in dance-based shows. However jungles and Big Boss diktats are a big no no.