When I grow up I want to be Miss Universe: Avika Gore

Ballika Vadhu's Anandi is not dying after all. Avika Gore speaks to Subhash K Jha.

You made the whole nation cry?
(laughs) Anandi is very good girl, she'd never make anyone cry. People make her cry. Don't you know that?

What was the people's response when your character almost died?
I loved the way people reacted. Whenever I'd go to school, or for tuitions or meet the people in my building society they wanted to know what would happen to Avika. I was asked to keep mum. So I didn't give anything away.

Don't you feel burdened by the love given to Anandi by viewers?
I am doing what has been scripted. It was decided beforehand that Anandi's husband would run away, she'd follow him and get shot, go into the hospital, then get well and return home.

It couldn't have been easy for a child to play a wounded character?
Oh I had lots of fun. I learnt many new things doing that scene, like a person's expression when shot at, how to fall to the ground, etc. My father and my director taught me how to do all of this. And I had to run so much to look for Jagiya (Anandi's husband).

Were unhappy about your character's mishap?
Avika was distressed and concerned for Anandi. Everyone in Anandi's family was praying for her.

Don't you feel you are missing out on what other kids your age do?
Aisa to nahin hai. I do get the time to play while shooting. And when there's no shooting I play with the other children in our building. Main bahut masti karti hoon. How long I continue to be Anandi remains to be seen. At the moment I'm having a ball.

You'll soon be seen in a film Paathshala.
Yes. But I don't have much role in that film. I signed it long before Balika Vadhu. But I got to dance with one of my favourite actors Shahid Kpaoor. To act with him was a dream come true.

Do you intend to pursue a career in acting as a grownup?
When I grow up I want to be Miss Universe. I'll do whatever I have to. Since I've to complete my graduation to be Miss Universe I'll of course pursue my career. I've also starting exercizing, cycling, yoga and dance classes.