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Meet the 8-year-old boy from Dubai who steals hearts with her debut in the web series ‘Citadel’ – News

Meet the 8-year-old boy from Dubai who steals hearts with her debut in the web series ‘Citadel’ – News

Some acquire their skills as they grow older, while others are simply born with an abundance of talent. Kashvi Majmundar, an 8-year-old powerhouse, is one of those rare individuals who seems to be born to entertain.

Effortlessly dancing, singing and acting – without any formal training – Kashvi has captured the attention of audiences around the world. Her viral presence on social media and now her acting debut in Citadel: Honey Bunny, streaming on Amazon Prime, are just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary journey.

Kashvi’s parents, Pratyusha and her husband, are quick to admit that they have no idea where her natural flair comes from. “We can barely move, let alone perform the complex dance moves she demonstrates so effortlessly,” laughs Pratyusha. Yet it is clear that Kashvi’s talent goes beyond what formal training could have imparted.

Kashvi in ​​Khaleej Times office. Photos: Shihab/KT

Kashvi in ​​Khaleej Times office. Photos: Shihab/KT

Her acting debut in Raj and DK’s Citadel: Honey Bunnywhere she plays the younger version of Nadia – played by Priyanka Chopra – has already received rave reviews from fans and critics alike. What makes this even more impressive is that Kashvi had no formal acting training before landing this role.




The birth of a star

How did she go from a toddler who loved dancing to a viral sensation and aspiring actress? “I was just born with this,” Kashvi says with an innocent smile. “Since I was six or eight months old, I always loved to dance. My mom put on music and I started moving to the beats.”

With her family living in Dubai, Kashvi calls the city home, where she studies at the Emirates International School. When asked if she has always been a natural talent, Kashvi nods enthusiastically. “Yes! I never had any formal training, but now I want to learn things like gymnastics or aerial dancing.”

Kashvi with her family. Photos: Shihab/KT

Kashvi with her family. Photos: Shihab/KT

Now she’s starring on an international platform, sharing the screen with actors she’s always looked up to. “I am also very excited and inspired,” says Kashvi, eyes sparkling with energy, when asked how it feels to be a part of such a big show.

A rising social media sensation

With over 175,000 followers on Instagram, Kashvi is also a rising star on social media. “I love social media! I get to do cool roles and I can be anything: a superhero one day and a movie character the next. It’s really fun,” says Kashvi.

“Plus, I get to connect with new friends. Sometimes, when my real friends are not around, I chat with people from all over the world on Instagram,” she adds.

Pratyusha, who manages Kashvi’s account, is vigilant to control her daughter’s social media usage. “Kashvi gets 15 minutes a day to manage her posts and messages. We stay in control,” she adds.

At the premiere of 'Citadel: Honey Bunny' with actor Varun Dhawan

At the premiere of ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ with actor Varun Dhawan

While her daughter’s rise to fame on social media has opened the door to commercial opportunities, such as high-profile endorsements with Etihad Airways and Warner Brothers, it is her ability to put a smile on people’s faces that has truly made Kashvi’s journey worthwhile. makes.

Pratyusha recalls a message from a woman in South Africa, who said, “Her roles are the only thing that puts a smile on my face after my husband passed away recently.” Such emotional messages are just some of the many messages Kashvi receives that deeply affect both her and her mother.

The big breakthrough

In 2022, for the IIFA Awards in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Moroccan-Canadian actor and dancer Nora Fatehi contacted Kashvi via Instagram to do a solo performance with the star on stage. “Nora Fatehi’s team reached out and asked Kashvi to do a solo performance with her at the IIFA Awards,” says Pratyusha.

The young dancer shared the stage with Nora Fatehi at IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi

The young dancer shared the stage with Nora Fatehi at IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi

The performance, which received thunderous applause from the audience, also caught the attention of the dancing diva herself, as Nora stopped mid-performance to take note of Kashvi’s killer moves.

“That was the moment everyone started noticing her,” Pratyusha remembers the moment fondly. “Yes! Nora was surprised, and even Shahid Kapoor joked, ‘You make us look bad!'”

It wasn’t long after Kashvi’s viral performance that she was offered the role Citadel: Honey Bunny. “It was a big turning point. After that, Kashvi was spotted for the web series. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra’s team called us for an audition, and two months later, Raj and DK got in touch to say they wanted Kashvi for the role. ‘ says Pratyusha.

Kashvi in ​​Khaleej Times office. Photos: Shihab/KT

Kashvi in ​​Khaleej Times office. Photos: Shihab/KT

The success of this trip was nothing short of surreal for the family. From a young girl who simply shared her love for dance on social media to a cast alongside global stars, Kashvi’s rise to stardom has been meteoric.

When asked if the young star felt shy when the camera turned on, she confidently replied, “Not at all.” Pratyusha laughs and adds, “I had to remind her that I was still there after a few hours!”

About working with Varun & Samantha

Filming with actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan, who play the roles of her parents in the show, on set was an unforgettable experience for Kashvi. “On the first day, I couldn’t stop blushing and laughing because I was so excited to meet Varun bhayashe says, still beaming with joy.

Kashvi with actors Varun and Samantha

Kashvi with actors Varun and Samantha

“Even before the series, I was a big fan of his dancing. He made me feel so comfortable. He asked about Dubai, my school life and even Gujarati food as his wife is also Gujarati,” says Kashvi. ‘I’m really looking forward to working with him again!’

Working with Samantha, who plays Kashvi’s on-screen mother in the web series, was another experience that was etched in the little girl’s memory. “I had so many scenes with Sam Tue. Off-screen she was so encouraging. Sometimes, when she was impressed with me, she would make me say, ‘Who’s the best? Kashvi is the best!” she shares.

“Just once, Sam Tue even took me to the gym. She is so dedicated to her fitness. I was truly inspired!” Kashvi smiles as she recalls the fun moments she shared with the actor. “I also showed her some of my calisthenics and split exercises. It was great!”

‘I want to be just like Priyanka Chopra’

When asked about her ambitions for the future, Kashvi answers with remarkable confidence. “I want to be like Priyanka Chopra and take over Hollywood and Bollywood!”

The 8-year-old attends the Emirates International School in Dubai

The 8-year-old attends the Emirates International School in Dubai

Her natural talent, coupled with her infectious energy, has already paved the way for what promises to be an incredible future in the entertainment industry. At just eight years old, she is already making her mark on the world and inspiring all who witness her journey.

The sky is the limit for the rising star!

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