TOI: No unrealistic expectation-Anjum

Telly bahu Anjum Farooki on her engagement rumours and more in a chat with TOI

These are strange times in Anjum Farooki's life. This talented young actor, who plays the immensely popular Gauri in the show Balika Vadhu, was recently in the news when her status update on a social networking site read that she was in a relationship with her co-starShashank Vyas. Later, it turned out to be another of those fake ids that celebs have to deal with these days. "I Guess these are the pitfalls of being in the limelight, but actors are used to fake profiles by now. I think people shouldn't give any importance to these pranksters." shrugs Anjum, who was in town to promote her show.

However, more recently, there have been stories in certain sections of the media that Anjum has got engaged to a merchant navy officer. She sounds surprised as we tell her that, and says, "Well, this is news to me! I haven't got engaged. I have been so busy with shooting and promotions that I haven't got a chance to go through what has been written about me in the last one week or so. But these are completely baseless rumours."

Asked to share her experience about being a part of Balika Vadhu, she says, "When I was offered the show, Gauri had a pretty positive role but slowly, the grey shades have come in, which gives me more scope to perform. It has helped me immensely in growing as an actor."

Interestingly, Anjum, who has also been a part of the serial Aapki Antara, was a journalist earlier, who used to do television stories. "Initially, my parents were reluctant when I decided to opt for acting as a career, as I hail from a pretty conservative background. But I was very comfortable because thanks to my experiences as a journalist, I knew the industry pretty well. I am pursuing Masters in Mass Communication through distance learning. I have never planned anything in life and to be honest, I don't know whether I will switch professions again. As of now, I am enjoying my acting stint." she tells us.

So how is Anjum off screen? "I am a very simple person, who doesn't have unrealistic expectations from life. I am a big foodie and Shashank (Vyas) often teases me saying that I eat too much for an actress. I also love to cook whenever I get time. And I just Adore kids. When I am at home, I play with the kids in our society building. It acts as a great stress-buster for me," she signs off.