I'm called Twinkle, not Jasmine: Jasmine Bhasin

As Zee TV's immensely popular primetime drama Tashan-e-Ishq draws to an end, its leading lady Jasmine Bhasin speaks of her journey enacting the role of Twinkle, all that it gave her and the memories she's taking home.
1. How do you feel about your popularity as Twinkle?
I feel overwhelmed by the fact that Twinkle has become a household name and many people know me by my character name rather than as Jasmine. This is my first show on TV and in such a short while, I'm blessed to get as much adulation that I do from my fans who appreciate my work. It feels like all the effort I put in is worth it when I realise that I've made a place in people's hearts. I'm indebted to Zee TV and Essel Vision for selecting me for Twinkle's role.

2. Please share some memories from the shoot of Tashan-e-Ishq. How does it feel now that the show is coming to an end?
There are so many wonderful memories to choose from. Our trips to the Golden temple and Goa stand out as the most fun, exciting shoot schedules. Apart from all the bonding with my co-actors, I have learnt a lot from them and the creative and production teams. I am glad the show is ending at its peak. It captured Twinkle's longing for true love, her disillusionment and her dilemma of choosing between the two men - Yuvi and Kunj vying for her attention. I am certainly going to miss Siddhant Gupta, Zain Imam, Vaishnavi McDonald, Naman Shaw and so many others who worked on this show.

3. What are your other interests apart from acting?
I am a big foodie but nobody believes me since I am thin. But, you can ask my co-stars. Eating round the clock and shopping are my favourite interests.

4. What is your ultimate goal in life?
My ultimate goal in life is to lead a 'full' life as against living for many years...it should be a life where I am surrounded by my loved ones, family and friends. I believe that happiness should be the primary goal in life.

5. What would you have been if not an actor?
I don't think I could have done anything better than acting. Acting has and will always be my first love and passion.

6. What is your take on the current craze of social media?
I feel social media is the best thing that has ever happened to mankind. You can connect, explore, express, inspire, motivate and do anything anywhere... anytime. There are advantages and disadvantages to anything and we should make the most of social media without letting it harm us in any way.

7. Any message for your fans from across the border?
Ans: I am fortunate to be loved not only by fans from India but also, from across the border. Initially, I had done a few commercials for Pakistan and they are such amazing people too. I am really fond of them and I am proud that my character of Twinkle has connected with people from all over the world.

8. Your character is seen as a bubbly girl in Tashan-e-Ishq and you have also displayed emotional depth in the more intense, sad scenes as well. How do you manage both aspects?
Ans: Crying and expressing finer emotions is most challenging on a day when everyone is in a lighter frame of mind on the sets. If everyone is laughing and bonding and happy, it takes quite an effort to detach oneself from that spirit and environment and portray a more sombre emotion. Similarly, it is quite a task to put on a happy face or do comedy when you're depressed or hurt or stressed out. But these challenges are a part of an actor's day-to-day life and I'm happy to take these on.

9. Which is your favourite holiday destination?
I recently visited Bali and I really fell in love with it. My next holiday destination would be Europe; I wish to explore it once my shoot wraps up for Tashan-e-Ishq.

10. Who are your favourite actors?
Sharukh khan is my heartthrob. I have grown up watching him and I really love him. He is the king of Bollywood and I would really love to work with him if I get a chance. Madhuri Dixit is my favourite too, she is an evergreen star and I love her expressions.

11. What are your marriage plans?
I am a very ambitious girl and I would like to focus on my career. As far as my marriage plans are concerned, I am completely single, I don't even have a boyfriend. I know there were rumours that I am going to quit TV shows and get married. But, I am really young to get married and sit at home and cook food.

12. What is your take on the supernatural genre which is trending in the tv industry?
I feel that as long as audiences are getting entertained by such shows, producers and broadcasters will continue to make them. Because it is rightly said that people love only three things, entertainment, entertainment and entertainment.

13. If given a chance to kiss on screen whom would you like to kiss?
That depends on whom I have been asked to kiss. I have never really thought about this. (smiles)

14. What are your takes on true love?
Love is a very rare thing. What we feel initially is attraction, liking or a crush. All of us are in love with the idea of being in love. We all have grown up watching DDLJ and other movies but in real life, love is a different feeling altogether. Its about the bond that grows between two people over a period of time, it's something you invest in and build on.