Onima Kashyap - I Discovered That Acting Is Something That Places Me in a World of Fantasy and Discovery (Actor & Professional Painter, India)

She finished her schooling from D.A.V public school and graduated in bachelor of business administration from university of Delhi and post graduation in fashion designing from pearl academy of fashion. 

She is well known for her Coca Cola hoardings all over India and has done many TV commercials like Nivea, Limca, Lux, Kalyan Jewellers, Parachute and many more. One of her popular projects include Magicbricks ad with actor Iqbal Khan and music video with Bhuvan Bam. 

She has worked with many legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Amir Khan, Vivek Oberio, Rajkumar Rao and has also done several Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil ads as well.

Instagram - @onimakashyap

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I used to work as a fashion designer with some renowned names back in Delhi but I felt that. I haven’t explored my capability to the most since I had an inclination towards acting, dancing and art. I quit my job and took a decision to step into an unknown world where I had my own apprehension and doubt like “can I do this?” what if I fail”, but I felt that the only way to know is to TRY. 

I didn’t want to look back and think “I could have or I should have. So I took a chance and started sending auditions for commercials and other projects from Delhi. From there I got selected for my first ad for Himalaya and from that very moment I shifted to Mumbai and after that there was no looking back. 

So I feel that courage of trying something new and stepping out of my comfort zone and helped me become who I am today.


2. Did you ever think or dream of being an actor?

As a kid I always had an urge to showcase my inner creative instinct and so I used to love participating in dance, singing and painting competitions. There is a performer inside me who always wants to unleash itself.so I felt that this is the best suitable career choice for me since I get to perform and it fulfils my creative gratification.

I discovered that acting is something that places me in a world of fantasy and discovery. It gives me power to live different characters and a chance to empathise and feel the emotions of that character.


3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor? 

Experience creates confidence. The more you do anything, the more experienced and skilful you become. So the more you properly study, rehearse, audition, and work, the more confident you are about your craft. I did lot of street plays and was a part of theatre group in mandi house. 

In a day I used to visit different studios, wait for hours and give at least 3-4 audition for ads and that helped me grew as an actor. Also, the more you read and watch, the more you can have an opinion and feel confident offering ideas and making offers in the audition or rehearsal room.


4. If not this, what would you be doing?

Painting is my first love and stimulates my imagination. Be it creating art on canvas or acting ,it is what keeps an artist calm and happy when we get to express ourselves through art. ONIMA CREATIONS is my brand through which I sell my paintings on Instagram. 

I am a dreamy person and likes to execute my thoughts onto the canvas. I have been doing this since I was a kid. My fine arts teachers recognised a talent in me and made me understand that this is a god gift to me and that I should never stop exploring myself as an artist.


5. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?

I would advice them to do some theatre or acting workshop before they come to this industry. While auditioning never think whether you will get that role or not, just enjoy the process and give your best. 

Work on your skills and everything will fall in right place and never get disappointed by the rejection. A piece of advice, after giving audition just forget about it and move to new work. Never let your insecurities play on your mind.


6. What is your mantra of success?

This profession requires persistence, dedication and constantly improving your craft. What work have you done to prepare for your goals matter a lot. I believe you must be prepared when the opportunity strikes. For instance I do my voice warm up, breathing exercises and meditation every morning. 

Reading a poem, watching world cinema, practicing a monologue or a scene is a part of my daily routine and helps me grow as an individual. keep in mind that the funny thing about the universe is that typically, when you focus and prepare for specific goals, the universe brings them to you.


7. Which is your favourite book and why?

Autobiography of a yogi is my favourite book. Yoga is indispensable part of my life and this book helped me in my inner discovery and gaining glimpses of my own life. 

I loved it and think there comes a stage in everyone's life when they would find reading this book helpful, calming and soothing. I was awestruck by knowing what Yoga can do to your mind and soul.

- Interviewed by - Ronak Jain