Twenty something Neelam Kothari seems to have her fingers in a lot of pies, at the moment. You would think that with TV anchoring and her role in Sooraj Barjatya's new film Hum Saath Saath Hain she would not have the time for much else. But she does. Neelam has now entered the world of gems. It may seem like a total change of career but the choice really was not too surprising. Neelam's family has been in the jewellery export business for years and her name `Neelam' - means sapphire. All along she had been helping her father and this year, she decided to start up on her own.Does this mean she has quit films or does she still manage to find time for shoots? "I have plenty of time for both," says she. But Neelam has decided to give television work a rest for a while. "I did Bakeman's Ooh La La for a year and it was fun while it lasted. But it's time for a break now," says she.Having trained under Hetal Vakil, a well-known jewellery design teacher, Neelam felt confident enough to set out onher own but not to set up shop. As of now, she will deal with clients by appointment only. "I do all the rough designing myself and then meet the clients to discuss their needs," says she.About two weeks ago, she took part in an exhibition organised by the Gem and Jewellery Association at the World Trade Centre and came away with a handful of clients. "I was happy with the response to my stall. The feedback was good," she says.Neelam's designs use a lot of coloured stones and white gold, and she tries to use different cut diamonds. For instance, she has made a pair of jhumkas with rose-cut diamonds. "I design stuff I would enjoy wearing," she says. Neelam swears by diamond-stud earrings, enjoys wearing rings and always wears a watch. "As for international brands, I like Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier," says she. Neelam has expensive tastes but she insists her designs will be well-priced. "The range starts at the Rs 15,000 mark," she says.Neelam says her decision to turn tojewellery design was something she had thought about long and hard. "It is something I can do long term as well. Even after I have a family, as I will be my own boss," says Neelam. The actress takes her work very seriously whether it is on screen or off. "I think I would stagnate and feel miserable if I was not busy. I could never just attend lunch parties," she says.Not that Neelam doesn't find time to have fun. She likes to work-out and she loves to eat. "Especially Italian food," says she.
