Palak Tiwari
A Star is Born
She struck our screens as Bijlee and promptly snuck into our hearts. In conversation with Aza, the young star opens up on “that birthday post” from Salman Khan, her wildest adventures and how having TV icon Shweta Tiwari as mom/mentor is the biggest blessing ever.
Photographs by Amit Khanna; Styled by Anisha Gandhi & Rochelle D'sa Syiemiong; Makeup by Anu Mariya Jose; Hairstyling by Rahul Sharma; PR Consultant Think Talkies; Creative Direction by Arthi Medithi; Words by Sreemita Bhattacharya
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Designer, Arpita Mehta; Bangles, Urban Thesaurus Jewellery
Role: Miss Chandni. Film: Main Hoon Na
Mom is not just my first acting teacher but my only acting teacher. She’s my mentor, my guide, my everything. Someday, I want to be as intuitive as she is with her characters. It’s a gift that I hope to possess someday.
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Designer, Ariyana Couture; Earrings, Golecha’s Jewels; First & third bangle, Urban Thesaurus Jewellery; Bangle in the middle, Golden Window
Role: Shanti. Film: Om Shanti Om
The first time mom ever left me home alone was like 3-4 months ago. I invited all my girlfriends to stay over. The revelry lasted TWO. WEEKS. Let’s just say, those were the craziest 14 days of my life.
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Designer, Mrunalini Rao; Necklace, Golecha’s Jewels
Role: Poo. Film: Kabhi Khushi, Kabhie Gham
What Bijlee turned out to be – the preternatural success it got; I don’t think anyone could have foretold that. The attention I received was overwhelming. But I’m so utterly grateful for it. Bijlee was meant for me.
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Designer, Ridhi Mehra; Earrings, Radhika Agrawal Jewels; Rings & Cuffs, The Loom Art
Role: Bijlee/Cinderella. Music Video: Bijlee Bijlee
The realization that Salman sir had wished me on Insta made me halt in my tracks. Right then he emerged from his space on the sets, and we came face-to-face. And I just stared at him in a daze for a few seconds. Then somehow, I uttered ‘Thank you, Sir’. And he was like, ‘Hmm… You are welcome.’ My Mind. Was. Blown.
Role: Kamna. Film: Salaam-E-Ishq
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Designer, Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor; Earrings, 20AM; Bangles, Urban Thesaurus Jewellery
I owe everything to television. It’s what gave us the house we live in, the cars we drive. But I won’t do television simply because my mom has already done everything single thing there is to it. I want to try and do something that can help me create my own, individual identity.
Role: Mohini. Film: Happy New Year
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Designer, Rajat Tangri; All accessories, Radhika Agrawal Jewels