Additi Gupta, a 19 year old fashion designing student from Symbiosis Pune, left her promising course half way to bag a role in Balaji’s new show Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil. The show is replacing Balaji’s hit Kasautii Zindagii Kii which ran for a span of seven years. There are huge expectations from the cast of Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil and more so from Additi who is the lead of the show. She will be essaying the role of Heer Maan.

Additi has been advised by Ekta Kapoor in consultation with a numerologist to add an extra ‘d’ to her name to better her fate. Success being a number game Additi accepted her suggestion.

We spoke to a visibly thrilled Additi at the launch of her show. Here is an exclusive chat with the young actress.

Tell us a little about your background.

I am a fashion designing student from Symbiosis, Pune. But my parents live in Bhopal. I have an elder brother who is an IITian working in Noida.

How did you bag this role?
Balaji’s team had come to Pune for auditions for the lead role of Heer Maan in Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil. So I decided to go for the auditions. I got selected and then I had to come down to Mumbai a couple of times for my screen test. And finally I was selected.

Were your parents happy with your decision?
Oh yes. They were very excited and happy for me. Though they were a little apprehensive initially as to how I would stay alone in Mumbai. They have always been supportive of me and my decision to do the show. They always push me to fulfill my dreams and desires.

To be launched by Balaji is a dream come true for any newcomer. What was your reaction?
It’s amazing is all I can say. I think I am very fortunate to get such a great start, show and production house.

What is your equation with mentor Ekta Kapoor?
Today is the first time I am getting to meet her. And I am a little nervous and afraid of meeting her for the first time. Though I have not interacted with her my first impression of her is that she is very understanding.

Do you really think that an extra‘d’ would help change your destiny?
I really think it would help the show and me as well. Ekta must have done this for the benefit of the show and for my betterment.

Did you always want to become an actor?
No, it was never on my mind.

What about your studies?
I have taken a year’s break from studies. I would continue it after that as the time and schedule permits.