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She was crowned Miss India Universe in 1999 and was crowned Miss Beautiful Smile but still she preferred completing her studies before entering the glam world. Gul commenced her journey in the entertainment industry with TV shows like Khoobsoorat & Vijay Jyoti on Zee TV, Kashmeer, Kisme Kitna Hai Dum & Musafir Hoon Yaaron on Star Plus. In 2003, Gul made her Bollywood debut with Dhoop and since then there has been no looking back for this charismatic actress who has donned different roles in every film. She has been praised for her remarkable work in all the movies. Gul Panag speaks her mind out in this chat with GR8! Read on…

You have been a part of various TV series including the critically acclaimed series Kashmeer, how was your experience?

I began my acting career with television and of course I love and cherish those moments. I was lucky to get different shows and out of them Kashmeer was received well by the critics as well as the audience.

A lot of Bollywood actors are seen on TV, if given a chance will you once again like to come back on TV?

Well, to be frank I just cannot be a part of the never-ending serials and family drams. If something interesting comes up like a TV series then I might give it a thought. I would like to something on the lines of Prison Break and other such TV series.

What will you like to do, judge, participate, or host a show?

Hmm… I don’t know. I really haven’t thought of it but I guess I would prefer hosting and judging rather than participating.

How is TV different from Bollywood?

Ohh a lot! And the most prominent difference is that TV people are much more disciplined, punctual and have fix schedules. This is something very rare in Bollywood. There are many other differences as both the mediums have their own pros and cons.

If you get a good script, will you be comfortable doing a TV serial?

I value my free time and independence. And in the TV industry actors work for almost 26-27 days a month. I wouldn’t want to do a TV serial but I would like to do a 26-30 episodic series but of course only if the script and the characters are interesting.

Are you a TV buff?

Not really, I hardly ever watch TV live, I mostly record the shows.

The hottest TV personality according to you is…

Hmm… Ronit Roy.

The most adorable Bollywood Star on TV?

Mr. Amitabh Bachchan definitely.

Your favourite shows over the years have been?

Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Malgudi Days, C.I.D., and the recent ones that I like would be Roadies and Making the Cut as I had seen a few episodes of these shows and quite enjoyed it.

As a kid the shows that you never missed were…

Undoubtedly, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi….

If you could change one thing on Indian TV, what would it be?

I don’t think I would want to change anything on TV, though there are a few setbacks but these are enjoyed by the audience. So it’s like people enjoy the shows with these flaws and the makers call it public demand and thus everyone is content. But if I really have to change one thing then it would be to have a more realistic approach.

In one word, Indian Television is…

Rocking!!!

- Dharmishtha Dagia