My moustache is a national issue: Ronit

Making public appearances in their TV avatar is apparently the latest fad in the small screen industry. And it works wonders!

Like it did for TV hottie Ronit Roy and budding actor Aasiya Kazi, who were overwhelmed by the compliments of their fans as they signed endless autographs for them on their recent visit to the Pink City. While Ronit was decked in a black knee length kurta, dhoti and mojari complimented by his newly grown moustache, Aasiya was wearing a modest ghagra-choli and a coy smile.

Talking about his new traditional look, which is quite unlike his chic look that viewers are used to seeing him in, he beams, "I know that it must be surprising for people to see me in a traditional, classic attire, but I am quite liking this new look." We point to him that his moustache actually grabbed headlines and he rattles off, "Everybody is talking about it... it seems my moustache is a national issue now," he quips running his fingers on his newly acquired possession and adds, "Initially I was extremely reluctant to sport the look, but soon compliments started pouring in. And now I am so smitten by it I think I won't change it in a while," maintains Ronit. Aasiya, who is apparently all of 16 years of age and is making her TV debut, prefers to let big guy Ronit do all the talking.

In the on-going series, based on a Gujarati classic called Reithpankhi, Aasiya plays an unassuming Gujarati girl, who is married to a man (Ronit) her father's age. And this reel generation gap seems to have creeped into their real lives too. So when it came to posing for our shutterbug an enthusiastic Ronit gave various shots flaunting his royal look while Aasiya looked pretty nervous. "I am not camera shy. I become a little conscious, as I am not used to talking so much about myself to so many people and posing endlessly. Handling stardom is a big responsibility and I am learning it from Ronit. He has been a great support. He not only helps me on the sets, but also teaches me the nitty-gritties of the profession," says Aasiya defending her quiet demeanour.

Our time was up, and, Ronit was all set to shed his reel avatar to change into his real self because he was scheduled to drop pop star Kylie Minogue to the Mumbai airport later the same evening. "I want to meet Kylie before she leaves Mumbai. I haven't seen a person as good at heart as her. She's simply superb," says Ronit before signing off.