Actress Malvika Raaj who played the role of younger version of Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham is all set for her second innings in bollywood. After playing younger version of Kareena Kapoor Khan at the age of 11 she has been away from bollywood since 2001.
She recently opened up about her decision to stay away from limelight through these years she said, “There were offers, but I was a very notorious child. My family really wanted me to concentrate on my education and focus on that. Acting would have really distracted me in my schooling days. I didn’t want to be one of those child actors who drops out of school. If I was a brilliant student, then probably my parents would have allowed me to act,”
Malvika admits that she now realises how wise a decision her parents took about prioritising her education. “I’m glad they didn’t let me do more films. But my training in dance, diction and everything went on in the side,” she says.
The actor may have been away from films, but she stayed in touch with her director, Karan Johar. “Every time we meet each other, it’s a very cute and sweet emotion we share,” she adds.
Malvika is daughter of filmmaker Bobby Raaj and granddaughter of actor Jagdish Raj, and therefore has grown up in a film family and with social connection with filmmakers, but according to her she hasn’t used it to get work.
“I used to visit my dad’s film set when I was a kid. So, I was exposed to the behind the scenes culture but not in terms of getting work. I’ve given auditions for films, and ads. I’m here on my own, I’ll make it on my own,” she asserts confidently.
The 30-year-old is set to make her Bollywood debut with actor Rinzing Denzongpa, son of veteran actor Danny Denzongpa. In 2017, she starred in a Telugu film, and has also been a popular model since the age of 17.
Asked if having a background in films help and Malvika says it can play in both ways “It wasn’t easy because people always compare me to that character (Poo) even today. That’s something I’ve to deal with. The good part is that you’re a known personality and wherever you go people recognise you.” She concludes.
