Gauahar Khan is a name in showbiz today that people recognize and respect. She has been a part of it for quite a while now and having seen her journey throughout, it feels great today to see her get the kind of work and appreciation she deserves, with shows like Tandav and Bestseller, and films like 14 Phere to her credit.
I am a big pageant nerd thus my fascination with Gauahar began in 2002 when she joined Miss India and consequently represented the country in Miss International. It has been quite a journey since then for her, and as I get to converse with her, she reflects back on it.
She shares,
“When I was 17, my father showed me an article in the newspaper about Miss India, and that time it used to be a huge deal. He told me that this is the year I should go for it. I told him that I was so young, but he assured me that academics will also happen simultaneously but I should try out for Miss India that year, and I did. Then I became Miss India International.”
But even though Gauahar started with pageantry, she clarifies that her ultimate aim was always to get into acting, and she expected winning Miss India to be a driving force towards achieving that dream.
The actress insists,
“Honestly, my goal was always acting, but I knew that I didn’t have a system where I will be introduced to people and it will be like isko picture mein le lo. It was a struggle. The vision was that it would become easier to get into films if I became Miss India. But nothing comes easy in life, does it?”
It took about seven years after that for the actress to get her first acting break in Bollywood in Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year, which featured her alongside Ranbir Kapoor. But she has no qualms about her journey, rather she cherishes it.
Gauahar reflects,
“I was very fortunate that I became one of the topmost models in the country and the choreographers really liked me on the ramp. It was the journey I had and after about six-seven years, Rocket Singh and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa had to happen. It was slow and steady but I had to show my presence and let people known that there is a Gauahar Khan who had these aspirations and ability to perform. Now in 2022, people are sitting back taking notice and giving me the kind of work that I need. So, I have been grateful for my journey and it has been fabulous.”
It might have taken a bit of time for Gauahar to get a hold in the industry, but today she is shining and how. Be it Chand Baby from Ishaqzaade, ‘Delhi Ki Meryl Streep’ Rubina in 14 Phere or Mayanka from Bestseller, Gauahar is giving one memorable performance after the other. Having loved and adored her for all these years, I can’t help but feel proud to see her reach here, and going by the credibility she is showing in her work, I am certain that it is just onwards and upwards for Gauahar from here.