Mobbed at airports, complimented by an eighty-year-old woman, and being compared to Amitabh Bachchan…. Tele actresses reveal incidents that made them feel like a star for the first time
Mansi Parekh
I was five years old and participating in a fancy dress competition. It was the first time I was on stage. I was dressed like a Marathi woman and I had to say aga bai aga. I went on stage and I said my line. I fumbled a lot. Yet, the entire lot in the auditorium clapped for me.
That was the first time I felt like a star. Another incident was when I received the Best Student Award, as I was balancing academics and extra-curricular activities. And my name was called out and I received a medal and a cup.
Rakhi Tandon
I was out for dinner, a few days back with my family, and an elderly lady who must have been in her 80s came in with her sons. She could barely walk and she came walking towards me with her son's support and she kept her hand on my head and told me, "Tum mere zindagi mein kushiyaan lathi ho, ronak lathi ho."
She told me that she loves me and when she watches my show at 8 pm, she forgets herself. She told me that I bring light in her boring life. I felt so touched. That was the first time I ever felt like a star.
Neeru Bajwa
Three years back, I was at an Canadian airport, and was going from one province to another, when a whole group of Indians recognised me and mobbed me. They appreciated my work. That was when I had made my debut on television in Astitva on Zee TV. It was a great feeling and I felt very special.
Delnaaz Paul
This was year's back, when I made my debut on television in Ashirwaad, which was a mega serial on Zee TV in those days. I played a character called Babli. The day that episode was aired, I was in Ahmedabad, for a play, and after the play ended, people came banging on my door.
People had actually watched me on television that night and then came to watch my play. I was most excited because there were so many veteran Gujarati actors with me and the audience mobbed me. My character in the serial had such a strong impact on people. I felt like a star for the first time in my life.
Anita (Natassha)
It was the third week after the release of my debut film in Telugu, four years back.
I went to a theatre in Hyderabad to watch my film, and as soon as people saw me they threw money and flowers on me.
It was unbelievable. There were tears in my eyes.
I was even nominated for the best actress (Debut). That experience made me feel like a star.
Pooja Ghai Rawal
The first time I felt like a star was five years ago when I was invited to my school as a chief guest. It is such a nice feeling, to go back to my school — Versova Welfare Association High School. The other moment that made me feel special was when I was in London last year.
I was in the queue to get into the train and when I got in, there was this girl, an Asian who got up and got out at the station. I took her seat. After she got out, she noticed me, and she kept banging on my window, saying, "You are the one in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi." That was a great feeling, when you are recognised in a foreign country.
Soniya Kapoor
This was six years back, when I made my debut on television in Zanjeerein on Zee TV. I had gone for the outdoor shoot to Punjab for the first schedule.
After the first episode was aired, I went to Ludhiana for the second schedule, and a school there felicitated me and they gave me an appreciation award.
It was a great feeling, to go on stage and give a small speech and show off. That was the moment when I felt like a star.
Tisca Chopra
I have always felt like a star. As a kid too, as my father was the principal of the school I went to (India International school in Kabul, Afghanistan).
One incident that made me feel special was when this person from Abu Dabi came down to meet me in Mumbai in 1996.
He used to send me letters that were written with his blood and he used to also send flowers. It was freaky, yet I was taken aback. It was a nice feeling when he met me and spoke to me. He was one of those mad fans of mine. (She laughs)
Shweta Gulati
It was two and a half years back, after I had made my debut on television in Shagun on Star Plus. I went to this play ground near Inorbit Mall, where a handicraft mela was happening. There were chaat stalls.
So, I went to eat, when suddenly about 20 kids came to me with their mummies and spoke to me. They called me Juhi, which is my name in the serial. That was my first experience of stardom. It felt great to be recognized. It really hit me and I will always remember that moment.
Kanchi Kaul
I have always been pampered (laughs). I mean I have always felt like a star.
Yet, the moment when I felt like a super star was when many people told me that the only two celebrities they could remember seeing on television were Amitabh Bachchan and me.
I felt so special. I somehow felt I was being equalled to him. | |
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