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She may have dropped an extra 'K' from her name, but Niki Aneja Walia hasn't lost any of her spunk. She's one of the few faces on television who's held her own for more than a decade. Her role of the mature, uncompromising Dr Simran in Astitva-Ek Prem Kahani, is a favourite with viewers.
Wed and work
After marrying Sunny Walia, I had shifted base to London. It was when director Ajai Sinha narrated the story of Astitva, that my husband agreed to support me if I wanted to pursue a career in acting.
Playing leapfrog
Astitva is scheduled to take a leap into the future around the mid March. Thankfully, I am not going grey. But there is a general change in my image; the way I wear my hair and wardrobe. I don't see what problem there is with serials when scripts skip a few decades. There comes a point in every long-running serial where the story can't progress unless the story changes. My character has only grown more challenging.
British mania
The recent shoot in London was great fun. My husband and I wanted to play host to the unit, but the production house had already made arrangements for them. Zee UK held a party for everyone, where we ended up meeting some die hard fans.
Balaji capers
I get calls from Balaji Telefilms almost every month. They repeatedly offer new projects. But I am already committed to certain serials. The main problem with Balaji is that they start shooting immediately after the script is finalised. They don't give actors enough time to wrap up earlier projects.
Main Madhuri Dixit nahin
When I was a new face in the modelling industry, I was compared to Madhuri Dixit. This was a regular occurrence and it got me quite mad. Now, I have my own identity. I look back on the comment as a compliment.
Bollywood calling
I essayed a small role in Azaad, a film starring Anil Kapoor. I was supposed to feature in Yes Boss and had even shot for five days, but dropped out because I was not too happy with my role. I plan to sign a film only if it's a crossover project where my role is challenging. I don't want to act in commercial films. Shyam Benegal and Mira Nair are the sort of directors who interest me. A role in Bhansali's Black would have been a dream role.
Designer dreams
I have designed clothes for actors Deepshikha, Anju Mahendroo and Tisca Chopra. I got into designing while I was in England. My first exhibition at Couch Potato, a Mumbai boutique was very well received. I am concentrating on jewellery designing right now
Wed and work
After marrying Sunny Walia, I had shifted base to London. It was when director Ajai Sinha narrated the story of Astitva, that my husband agreed to support me if I wanted to pursue a career in acting.
Playing leapfrog
Astitva is scheduled to take a leap into the future around the mid March. Thankfully, I am not going grey. But there is a general change in my image; the way I wear my hair and wardrobe. I don't see what problem there is with serials when scripts skip a few decades. There comes a point in every long-running serial where the story can't progress unless the story changes. My character has only grown more challenging.
British mania
The recent shoot in London was great fun. My husband and I wanted to play host to the unit, but the production house had already made arrangements for them. Zee UK held a party for everyone, where we ended up meeting some die hard fans.
Balaji capers
I get calls from Balaji Telefilms almost every month. They repeatedly offer new projects. But I am already committed to certain serials. The main problem with Balaji is that they start shooting immediately after the script is finalised. They don't give actors enough time to wrap up earlier projects.
Main Madhuri Dixit nahin
When I was a new face in the modelling industry, I was compared to Madhuri Dixit. This was a regular occurrence and it got me quite mad. Now, I have my own identity. I look back on the comment as a compliment.
Bollywood calling
I essayed a small role in Azaad, a film starring Anil Kapoor. I was supposed to feature in Yes Boss and had even shot for five days, but dropped out because I was not too happy with my role. I plan to sign a film only if it's a crossover project where my role is challenging. I don't want to act in commercial films. Shyam Benegal and Mira Nair are the sort of directors who interest me. A role in Bhansali's Black would have been a dream role.
Designer dreams
I have designed clothes for actors Deepshikha, Anju Mahendroo and Tisca Chopra. I got into designing while I was in England. My first exhibition at Couch Potato, a Mumbai boutique was very well received. I am concentrating on jewellery designing right now
Anupamaa
