Dad didn’t allow me to act after K3G’

She played the younger version of Kareena Kapoor in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham .... Malvika Raaj (right), who is making her debut as an adult with Telugu film Jayadev, says her father was not keen that she pursues acting after the 2001 film.

Talking about coming out of the child actor image, Malvika says, “After K3G, since I was a young and a naughty child, my father did not want me to pursue acting anymore. He thought it would distract me from studies. Even as a child actor, I got many proposals to work, but my dad didn’t allow me.”

The granddaughter of Bollywood actor Jagdish Raj and niece of actor Anita Raaj, Malvika grew up in a film environment. “My father is okay with it now. He just wanted me to have my degree and then pursue my acting,” said the actor, who has even done a bit of modelling. “I built a lot of confidence while working in the fashion industry. But once you get into films, you don’t want to get back to modelling,” she says. Malvika, who is excited about her launch, will debut with a Jayanth directorial. “It’s like a dream come true to debut with director Jayanth. He is so senior and I am waiting for the response,” says the actor, who essays a role of a funloving girl in the film. The actor, who is influenced by her aunt, actor Anita Raaj, says, “I’ve grown up seeing her and watching her. Her hard work is an inspiration.” However, among the new lot of actors, Malvika picks actor Deepika Padukone to be her favourite.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK/MALVIKARAAJ