Name: Hritu Deepak

Profession: Actor

Sun Sign: Capricorn, 29 December

Educational Experience
I went to KC College in Mumbai. I finished my graduation in 1996 and couldn't study beyond that. I am not a bookworm.

However, I must add that I am a linguist and am fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Marathi and Bangla.

Professional Experience
Advertising commercials: Immediately after my studies, I did a couple of ad films (TV commercials as well as print ads). I did some campaigns for brands such as Gits, Breeze and Rexona (Hindustan Lever). I also did a Pepsi ad with Amitabh Bachchan.

TV serials: My entry into the world of television was sheer coincidence. I started off with Zee's BG ke PG and soon bagged Nazdeekiyan on Sony - my character was also named Hritu! I also got noticed in SAB TV's Khatta Meeta and Shub Mangal Savadhaan - soon became a household name.

This was followed by serials such as Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka on Sony and Is Duniya Ke Sitare on Star Plus. The latter is a celebrity based show produced by Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu. I must say that it was indeed a pleasure working with them as they are wonderful people.

I also love to sing and have done a show for Music Asia called Dil Ki Nazaar. This was a pioneering effort then because I got a chance to play cupid to people in love.

Current projects: I am doing Zee and U for the Zee group. On Doordarshan, I am doing a serial called Hairat. I shall soon be doing two shows on Star Plus which will be launched in April. I am being paired with Ali Asghar for one of them being directed by Rakesh Sarang. Kavita Kapoor and Manoj are my co-stars and I play a cook in a guest house. Various characters enter and exit the storyline.

The other show is a multi-starrer serial called Kise Kahe Apna. The second serial has Milind Soman, Anupam Kher and Shammi Kapoor (TV debut) amongst others.

I feel that I have a natural flair for anchoring shows. I am natural and spontaneous - I enjoy the challenge of being on air 'live'. Through my show Zee and U I receive several letters from different parts of the country as well as from foreign shores.

I am happy to say that I have attained a considerable amount of success in terms of money, plum roles and job satisfaction.

What's good and bad about television scenario:
I am currently working hard, jumping from one studio to another. There is a lot of work for talented actors and actresses. What is needed is an urge to learn and be dedicated.

In all the serials I have worked in, a family like atmosphere prevails and I am comfortable with this scenario. One also needs to develop a good rapport with co-stars, producers and directors in order to get more offers. I am bad at public relations and socialise less. Therefore, the offers I get are based on my performances and my rapport. I also love to sing and am undergoing training in Indian classical music and ghazals.

Five years from now
I believe I shall continue to work in TV serials, advertising commercials and doing live shows. I see myself bagging some meaningful roles in Bollywood's feature films. Currently, I am getting some offers for doing "item numbers." But, I am not interested in these. I would also like to work in tele-films on TV channels.

Every artiste loves more work but the work has to be satisfying. I, too, have started becoming more selective and this will continue in the near future. I must be convinced that the role is good and it must excite me. Otherwise, I shall not accept roles.

Hobbies
I love travelling in good company of friends who have a good sense of humour. I love good food - 'read salads and fruits.' I am a good listener and rather talkative. I enjoy talking to people and sharing experiences or comparing notes.

I enjoy singing and listening to ghazals. My car audio-system constantly blazes away to glory and my mother scolds me and asks me to concentrate on driving. In fact, I believe that the songs of the Shahrukh-Aishwarya-Madhuri starrer Devdas are absolutely brilliant. I sometimes have wild mood swings.

I am also into spirituality and meditation.