KRITI VERMA, a GST Inspector with Mumbai who was last seen in Bigg Boss 12 and given the Young Achiever Award by Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Award, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA how she ended up on TV, her association with #vocalforlocal and upcoming projects

How did you get into TV?

I love watching the Roadies Xtreme show. My job in Mumbai meant that I was able to go for an audition with my friend. Everyone, since I was a child, would tell me that I exuded confidence. I am also health conscious and work out but am not a fitness freak. People think that Roadies is all about being fit but this is not the case. One just has to follow a healthy lifestyle. What the show is looking for is how confident one is and the 360-degree dimensional personality. This made me an ideal candidate for the show.

From a GST Officer to Bigg Boss 12. How did that happen?

Bigg Boss 12 was offered to me after Roadies Xtreme. In that show, I was the most popular contestant. That is how the Bigg Boss team contacted me. I saw no reason to turn it down. After all, it is a Salman Khan show. I am sure there are very few people who would turn down the opportunity to be part of a show where he is the host.

How have the two shows changed your life?

The shows have definitely changed my life for the better. Before I was on TV, I was a GST officer and the girl next door. People in the neighbourhood don’t recognise you apart from those with whom you work. After these two shows, people on the street stop and acknowledge me and greet me and shower so much love and warmth sometimes it is overwhelming. I get gifts from people (fans). 

Was it tough to be in front of the camera for the first time?

It was not that tough. I have always been a confident person. I used to participate in extra-curricular activities in school. I represented India in Pakistan at the International Theatre and Dance Festival. Facing the camera was not as challenging.

You are a GST officer and Bigg Boss as a show is  different. Was it tough to perform for the House and yet be within the ambit fit for an Inspector?

 My being a GST Inspector actually helped me when I was in the House. I was clear when I entered the show that I would not compromise on the reputation that I have to maintain because I am a Government servant primarily. I have to at all times uphold my dignity and dignity of my office. The GST was introduced in India right before I entered Roadies Xtreme. Because of that people came to know more about GST, the rules and how it works. There was an article in a newspaper that said that I have taken GST on a national level. This made me proud.

What was your family’s reaction when you told them you would be on TV?

Actually, my family has always been supportive of whatever I have wanted to do. They were proud when I became a GST Inspector. Almost 32 lakh people took this exam and only 3,000 were chosen. I was one of them. My parents were thrilled for me. Doing a TV show was a feather in cap. Due to my popularity, people now recognise my parents too. They are happy that I have met Salman Khan and Rannvijay Singh.

Do your colleagues see you in a different light now?

I have not changed. I am the same with my friends. I am a grounded person. But people who don’t know me, think that I am a celebrity.  But that is not the case. Of course, fans send me gifts or just land up to get a selfie at the office address. People at the office smile and look at me a bit differently.

Is it difficult to do your job when you are out in the field?

Sometimes, it does. It does become difficult to do the work that I am supposed to. Bigg Boss as a format is so different for the other shows on TV. Also, it is not always possible to get leave to be on TV. My department has been very kind to me but it is not fair to keep asking for leave all the time. I try to either push the work over the weekend or do it after office hours.

How did you get associated with #vocalforlocal?

I take pride in being an Indian. I support Indian products and services. This initiative is taking things on a much larger platform to the public. This is a great app and each Indian must subscribe to it.

Are there any upcoming projects?

I have signed a film as a lead. The shoot was to begin in April but now it has been postponed for November-December. I have done a web series as well. There is a music video that I am part of. The lockdown has put things on a slow burner but things will get back on track soon.