New Delhi: Actress Deepshikha Nagpal is a popular actress, who apart from films, has also worked in many TV shows. He revealed that he had chosen acting as his career on the advice of superstar Dev Anand. The actress said, ‘My family, especially my grandfather, was already a part of the film industry. From the era of silent films, my grandfather had given opportunity to stalwarts like Dada Muni (Ashok Kumar) and Mehmood. My mother was an actress in Gujarati films and my father was a director, writer and actor. Veteran actor Dev Anand was looking for girls for his film and my mother took me and my sister to meet him.
Deepshikha told that she was surprised to know that Dev Anand wanted to sign her and not her sister. Even though she aspired to become an actress. I rejected Dev Anand’s offer because acting was never my dream. I wanted to become Miss India or maybe even a fashion designer, but Dev Saheb kept trying and finally he convinced me to work with him.
Comparison with Parveen Babi
Recalling the moments spent with the late star, the actress said, ‘I still remember his words – Deepshikha, work with me and if you don’t want to, don’t work with anyone else. I finally agreed, although I insisted that he sign my sister also. The actress told that her first film was Gangster. I thought this would be my last film, but it did not happen. The industry started noticing me. People started comparing me with Parveen Babi and I started enjoying this journey.
When Deepshikha rejected ‘Karan Arjun’
Deepshikha revealed that she was offered the 1995 film “Karan Arjun”, starring Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan in the lead roles. He said, Rakesh Roshan had offered me ‘Karan Arjun’. But, I regret that I turned it down. I was working in Dev Anand’s Gangster. The actress told why she switched from films to television. He told that after getting married, I turned my attention from films to television. Around the same time, Maureen Wadia’s Gladrags Mrs. India contest started and I decided to participate in it. This was something I wanted to experience myself.
Was also a part of fashion industry
The actress said, ‘I participated in the 2003 Mrs. India contest and was the first runner-up. Also won the title of Kohinoor Woman of the Year. Looking back, I am proud of my journey, even though I may have missed some opportunities like Karan Arjun. But I believe everything happens for a reason. Now, I hope that if my daughter ever wants to follow in my footsteps or seek guidance, I will be there to support her.
Tags: Bollywood actress
FIRST PUBLISHED: October 5, 2024, 23:45 IST
