Pavitra Punia: ‘After Romeo-Juliet, people will remember Sidharth-Shehnaaz’

Actress Pavitra Punia began her acting journey in 2011 opposite Sidharth Shukla. 9 years later, she entered the Bigg Boss house as a contestant for season 14, where she met Sidharth once again. He entered the house as a Toofani Senior for just 2 weeks, but left a deep impact on each housemate. Well, Sidharth passed away after a cardiac arrest earlier this week. A few days have passed but Pavitra has not been able to come to terms with the loss of a very dear friend. Just like most other celebs and millions of fans, the actress is worried about Shehnaaz Gill, who was one of the closest people in Sidharth’s life.

In a chat with Hindustan Times, Pavitra shared, “Aaj main jab Shehnaaz ko dekthi hoon, toh rooh kaanp jaati hai. People dream of having a pure bond like they had. I wouldn’t say it was dosti or boyfriend-girlfriend. Yeh rishta pati patni se kam nahin tha. After Soni-Mahiwal, Romeo-Juliet, people will remember Sidharth-Shehnaaz. Their fans are crazy about them. I was madly in love with the Shehnaaz and Sid jodi. I hope she manages, stays strong to cope with the loss.”

Talking about her equation with Sidharth, Pavitra remembered, “We had a Tom and Jerry like bond! I worked with him in Love U Zindagi in 2011 my first show as a lead. Back then, I didn’t know the ways of the industry yet I had an attitude. I was called a youth icon and a reality star due to Spilsvilla. Sidharth was reserved, composed and kaam se kaam rakhnewale. He was my senior yet we had issues. I would think hoga hero apne ghar ka and we wouldn’t give shots together. The show lasted for 6 months. We bonded well when we went to Macau for an awards show. That’s where we broke the ice. He was so protective and such a gentleman.”

After the show ended, their bond became much better. In fact, when they met on Bigg Boss 14, Sidharth made her realize the need to be herself, the ‘rowdy Pavitra’ she was 10 years ago. The Naagin 3 actress feels that had Sidharth not reminded her of who she was, she wouldn’t have lasted for even a week on the reality show. Well, Sidharth may have left us but he will definitely continue to live on in our memories.