Aashka Goradia reinvented

Feel good

The dukhyari image of Kkusum's daughter, Kumud, has been traded in for a mod, new self. "I am looking at a new me," says the actress. "I have been on a major diet and gym routine since the last few months. I have knocked off several inches. In fact, in the past year, I was determined to shed weight and revamp myself. I take care to dress well — my mantra is, look good, feel good."

New role

Now that Kkusum is done and over with, Aashka wants to move on to new assignments. "I am looking at doing all kinds of characters," says Aashka, who now features in the Zee daily, Piya Ka Ghar, as the tawaif, Chandni. "I have been dancing for hours at a stretch. There is this mujra number I have done on Maar daala, from Devdas — it is a far cry from my Kumud image."

How easy is dancing, as compared to acting? "Tiring," she says. "The Piya Ka Ghar production team is happy with my steps. My character of Chandni has a dual personality. At the kotha, Chandni is at her foul best; otherwise, she is her demure self."

Birthday bumps

Incidentally, Aashka celebrated her birthday last Sunday. "It was a working birthday for me. I was shooting till late afternoon, and celebrated with Rohit Roy and Manasi Joshi Roy. They mean a lot to me, especially Manasi.

They had shifted to their new home the same day. I cut a cake at their new house, almost at midnight. Then, all of us — Rohit, Manasi and my two other friends — went out for dinner at a Bandra nightspot. It was a very quiet affair. At least I was with people who matter to me the most."

Big screen plans

At the moment Aashka is looking for more roles. "I want to do more television, but my ultimate dream is films," she says, while waiting for that big break.

shaheen@mid-day.com