Astitva's Dr Simran lashes out at her detractors
Reena Thapar Kapoor
She is better known for her histrionics as Dr Simran of Zee TV's Astitva. But this time it's not her performance that puts her in the news. After a continuous and uninterrupted stint with the serial, Niki Aneja Walia is being accused of causing trouble for the new breed of actors on the show. Debutant actors Abbas Khan and Yuvika Chaudhary, who joined the cast of Astitva to play Dr Siddharth and Aastha, have been open about their animosity towards the actress.
Reacting to these allegations, a visibly hurt Niki says, "As a senior actress my intention was to help them. Varun (Badola) and I have put in so much effort in terms of working hours and rehearsals. I was constantly giving these youngsters tips on how to improvise on their dialogue delivery, clothes and basic grooming. This is a luxury I never received." Niki says that she doesn't regret giving them guidance and will do it again with newcomers if needed.
Niki has been playing the lead character in Astitva for three years now. But it is only recently that her alleged temper and bossy attitude is being spoken about. Apparently, it is this dominating nature that has jeopardised her friendship with co-star Varun Badola.
The grapevine is buzzing with stories about their fall out. Defending her stand, she said, "These stories started appearing in print after Abbas's ouster from the show. After he quit he went around giving interviews about me being dominating. I thought it was in such bad taste. Just because he couldn't get his share of the limelight in the show, he tried to get himself noticed by lashing out against me in print."
According to Niki, these accusations are baseless and she continues to share an amicable relationship with her on-screen husband.
What about the unpopularity with her on-screen daughter Yuvika? "She is a kid! I'm clueless about her insecurities! Quitting shows and bad mouthing seniors has never benefited anyone. Both, Abbas and Yuvika lack sincerity and dedication," she reasons.
"The problem with today's generation is that they feel fame and adulation is all about looking good and showing skin. It's been proved numerous times that sex-symbols have had the shortest careers. Barring Upasna Shukla, I don't see that drive and dedication in any of the younger actors, in Astitva at least," she adds.
| Niki Aneja |
| Don't boss me around: Varun Badola, Fed up of being dominated all the time: Abbas Khan, No temper tantrums for me:Yuvika Chaudhary |
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
