Hazel Keech, also known by her modeling name Rose Dawn and married name Gurbasant Kaur, is a British actress and model who has made significant strides in Indian films and television. Born on 28 February 1987 in Essex, England, Hazel Keech’s journey is one of perseverance, resilience, and transformation.
Hazel Keech: Early Life and Passion for Performing Arts
Hazel Keech was born to a British father and an Indo-Mauritian Hindu mother with roots tracing back to the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar belt. Growing up in Essex, she attended Beal High School in Redbridge, London. From a young age, Hazel was drawn to the performing arts, participating in stage shows and learning various dance forms, including Indian classical, British dance, and western contemporary styles. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future career in entertainment.
Breaking into the Industry
Hazel’s early career was marked by her involvement in television, film, and stage. She danced in the British programme Agatha Christie’s Marple and was featured in the BBC documentary show Call The Shots, which showcased her work in Hindi films.
In 2002, she joined the team of the Bollywood musical Bombay Dreams for their London promotional tour and later sang in the choir of the West End musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Additionally, she had minor roles in several Harry Potter films.
A New Beginning in India
In 2005, while vacationing in Mumbai, Hazel Keech received offers for modeling and acting work, prompting her to stay and pursue a career in India. Adopting the name Rose Dawn, she quickly made a mark in the industry, appearing in various music videos and TV commercials, including notable ads for Vivel by ITC and the Sprite ‘University of Freshology’ campaign.
Rise to Fame
Hazel’s breakthrough in Indian cinema came with her appearance in the 2007 Tamil film Billa, where she performed an item number in the song “Sei Ethavathu”. Her performance caught the eye of filmmakers, leading to more opportunities.
In 2011, she played a supporting role in the Hindi film Bodyguard, produced by Atul Agnihotri and directed by Siddique. Her talent shone through in various item numbers, such as “Aa Ante Amlapuram” in the film Maximum and “Chal Chal Chal” in Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (2012).
Reality Television and Continued Success
In 2013, Hazel Keech appeared as a guest contestant in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6 and later joined the reality show Bigg Boss 7. Although she was the first contestant to be eliminated, her participation increased her visibility and fan base. After leaving the Bigg Boss house, she continued to work in films, including a notable appearance in the Punjabi film Heer and Hero.
Personal Life and Triumph Over Adversity
On 12 November 2015, Hazel Keech got engaged to Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, and the couple married on 30 November 2016. Embracing her new life, she adopted the name Gurbasant Kaur, given to her by Sant Balvinder Singh during their wedding ceremony. The couple welcomed their first child, Orion, on 25 January 2022, and their second child, Aura, on 25 August 2023.
Hazel’s journey has not been without challenges. She has openly discussed her battle with severe depression and suicidal thoughts during her time in India. Her strength and determination to overcome these struggles led her to pursue a diploma in Psychotherapy, aiming to help others facing similar issues.
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