EYE SPY – BOLLYWOOD GOSSIP WITH ASJAD NAZIR

Bhavini: Working to channel her dreams

TV STAR PUROHIT EXPLAINS WHY HAVING A YOUTUBE PLATFORM WAS IMPORTANT TO HER

RISING television star Bhavini Purohit has shown off her impressive range as an actress in hit TV shows Saath Nibhana Saathiya and Jaana Na Dil Se Door.

The versatile small-screen star recently took a break from her hectic schedule for a much-needed break in London.

I caught up with her at a flashy five-star restaurant to find out more about one of the best-kept secrets on Indian television.

What do you like about London as a city?

London is and always will be my dream city. I always wanted to visit London and finally it happened. Now that I am in London I love each and every part of it. I have enjoyed it to the fullest and explored the whole city from Oxford street to Notting Hill and north London. There is so much to do and see here. I will be back for sure.

Hasn’t the cold weather bothered you?

(Laughs) Not at all, Asjad. I love winters and snow. I was happiest in the cold weather in London. In fact, I wish it had snowed more.

How do you look back on your acting journey?

It has been an amazing journey. I have loved each and every character I’ve played. My first show Saath Nibhana Saathiya was massively popular and lasted for seven years.

I played the negative character of Radha Modi during my time on the show, which was challenging. I felt blessed to be a part of such a show. It was the start of my journey.

So would you say that role gave you the greatest joy?

Yes, for sure, Saath Nibhana Saathiya will always remain special to me.

Who has been the most interesting person you have met on that journey?

I made so many great friends. But from my acting journey, the most interesting people would be Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Helly Shah, Rucha Hasabnis, Swati Shah, Vandana Pathak, Shashank Vyas and Aaradhna Uppal.

What do you believe is the biggest challenge of working on television?

I feel every character in a TV series has importance, so each part will provide a challenge. You have to live with the role for longer and maintain a high standard throughout.

Which would be your dream role?

I love Surbhi Chandna’s character from Ishqbaaaz. It is the type of bubbly character I would love to play.

Which leading man would you love to be romanced by onscreen?

I just simply want to do a show with [fellow TV star] Nakuul Mehta.

Which TV shows do you enjoy watching?

I like Game Of Thrones, The Originals and Suits.

What are your big passions away from acting?

I love travelling, So I would love to travel to as many places in India and around the world as I can.

Why did you decide to launch a YouTube channel last year?

I always wanted to have a YouTube channel and finally I managed to start one. It includes fashion, travel and beauty features. It also enables me to remain connected to my fans. I am working hard on my YouTube channel and besides that, I am working as a fashion and beauty influencer for my social media handles, which is fun.

Today, what would you say inspires you?

Both my parents have been a huge inspiration. I am looking forward to working harder and continue this amazing journey in 2018.

Finally, what is the Bhavini Purohit master plan going forward?

I want to work hard as much as possible and make my YouTube channel a big hit. I want to expand my journey as a fas hion influencer also.

ABBAS: BIG 2018 PLANS

THIS looks like being a very big year for Imran Abbas.

The Pakistani actor has signed two films in Pakistan and also has a number of TV serials on the way including Noor Ul Ain, which has already been shot.

The multi-talented star is also an accomplished singer and is currently working on his debut song. Imran told me that he is planning to start his own production house this year and is looking for interesting projects.

STRIKERS EYE DANCE DUO

DYNAMITE dancing duo SonAash have won hearts wherever they have gone with their explosive stage performances. Recently the stunning sisters also caught the attention of top Premier League footballers Sergio Agüero and Gabriel Jesus at a party. According to well-placed sources, the Manchester City strikers couldn’t take their eyes off them, but despite their best efforts, Sonalia and Aashana took the attention in their stride and kept the multi-millionaire players firmly in the friend zone. The duo are currently balancing studies with performing their amazing dance routines at events around the country.

SNOOP’S SUPPORT

ACE music producer Dr Zeus ended 2017 with a bang by releasing a track with hip hop icon Snoop Dogg, which also featured Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri.

The chart-topping star looks like having another massive year with huge hits, including a hotly anticipated album.

Zeus told me working with Snoop was a dream come true. “I have been waiting to work with Snoop since 1994 and told him that when we met. Snoop was very inspiring and said, ‘Listen, you believed, and you are here today’. He also told me, ‘Always believe in yourself and you will go forward.’ That is one thing that sticks out to me; the other is, on meeting him, that he is so down to earth.”

SRK GOES FROM HERO TO ZERO

ACTOR Shah Rukh Khan started off the year by revealing the interesting teaser trailer for his new film Zero, which sees him portraying a dwarf. I am not sure about that role, so did a quick poll on social media to see what his fans felt about it, and 88 per cent gave it a big thumbs-up. But as Shah Rukh saw with his experimental film Fan, there is a big difference between getting approval on social networking sites and getting audiences into the cinema. He will be hoping Zero doesn’t go the same way as flop film Fan, but I fear it will because the once king Khan has lost touch with his audiences a number of years ago.

VIRAT-ANUSHKA: PRICE NOT RIGHT

RECENTLY married duo Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma sent social media into meltdown with loved-up photographs from their wedding. The captivating images firmly established them as the number one celebrity couple and made people believe in romance again. But one recent photo of the married couple shopping next to ‘50 per cent off’ signs, secretly taken by a bystander, provoked jokes online. Some said this was all they could afford after the mega-expensive wedding, others joked that Anushka, like all women, loved sale shopping more than her man.

RADHIKA’S LAUNCH PAD

ACCLAIMED Indian actress Radhika Apte has signed a movie opposite British star Dev Patel and said an announcement about it will be made soon. I am sure the high-profile project will open international doors for the versatile star.

Radhika will next be seen in soon-to-be-released Bollywood film Pad Man, directed by R Balki. She has been full of praise for her leading man Akshay Kumar, who she described as very hard-working, humorous and very innovative on set.