TOI: Gujarati cinema needs patrons-Heli

Gujarati cinema needs patrons

Telly show star Heli Daruwala shares her small screen dreams with AT

Kruti Lakhlani


Who would have thought that a dentist would be facing a camera for a living! Well,thats just what bubbly and petite pocket Venus Heli Daruwala chose to do when she followed her heart and became an actor.The Surti beauty had always wanted to be an actor since childhood.Like all other girls of my age my parents also wanted me to study and thats what I did.But acting has always been my dream.
Heli who has worked in top print and television commercials for leading brands is currently playing an important role in,the telly adaptation of Jab We Met Love you Zindagi.
Heli confesses that she feels truly blessed to be living at a time when newcomers get breaks on TV without having to sweat it out too much.Even contestants from reality shows are offered roles in daily shows.The route to television has become easier.You dont neccesarily have to hang out in front of production houses for months hoping to bag a role.
Her new show,Heli feels should get her noticed and take her places.The movie was a huge hit and we are expecting the concept should click with viewers on television too.I like Imtiaz Alis work and when I got opportunity to work with his creation I was elated. However,her role will be a brief one.I am playing the male leads girl friend who dumps him and will be seen for a few initial episodes only but I am happy with the role.
Heli has also done a cameo in the late night daily show,Khotey Sikkey and tried her luck in Bol lywood as well.Amol Palekar Dumkata is my debut which will release on television all over instead of cinema.
Heli is upset with the way Gujarati movies are treated in the state.In urban centres no body wants to watch Gujarati movies.It is certainly sad that except Gujarat,every other state watches and promotes their regional movies.I think it is an irony that despite such top TV producers and actors from the state,the local film industry hasnt really shaped up the way it should have.