In a world full of criticism, you have to be your own motivation. Don't focus on the reasons something won't work out If there is even one reason that it will. Also, I've learned never to be afraid of failure as it often teaches us more than even success.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I am a regular girl hailing from New Delhi. I loved acting and expression ever since I was born. Heck, I wouldn't even eat my food as a child if my father didn't sing the Dilwale dulhaniya le jayenge track song for me as a baby! In fact, when I was in playschool I ran up on stage from the audience during a school play because I wanted to be up there.
I used to love dancing and had a teacher who would teach me Bollywood dancing. I used to love the cinema and my family always encouraged that. I was often called the entertainer of the family as I would enact scenes and dance. I loved the stage and having an audience. My love for the stage continued during my school days as a teenager as well.
I went to Delhi University to pursue Bcom honors, I was a part of the college dance team and performed in different campuses such as IIT Kanpur, Delhi, etc. I loved dancing but it subtly reminded me I wanted to act as bad. Then in my first year of college, I participated in a beauty pageant called Miss Veet- Be the diva, and I won it. I remember there were many girls who took part, and when I won it my picture came in the newspaper.
I used to model for my photographer friend and for digital advertisements for brands as it all stemmed from my love for being in front of the camera. In my 3rd and final year at college, I got a job through campus recruitment at one of the top four audit firms in the world - KPMG. I was just 19 years old at that time. I worked there as a risk consultant and pursued law side by side. I had a great career and a rewarding one, however deep down I knew it was never my true calling.
I decided to write a short film called 'Act normal' and acted in it during my days as a corporate consultant. The short film crossed alot of views, people all over the world reached out to me and got me high appreciation all over. It made me realize this is what truly makes me happy and no paycheck in the world can compare to your dream. I quit my corporate job literally after getting promoted and I was scared as hell. Whether things would work out was left to see.
I then joined a theatre group professionally in Delhi and auditioned for a play at the Akshara theatre group- and I was lucky to bag the first audition I ever gave in my life and got the role. I started with making my own content and collaborated with filmmakers in short films. Soon my work started getting notices and I got audition calls for projects. I subsequently did web shows, advertisements, and short films for OTT platforms.
I got into hosting as well and hosted many celebrities online during the pandemic. I made sure to utilize every opportunity that came my way. I am currently working on good projects and am very grateful. I feel my journey has been so different as it took me time to leave the certainty a corporate job offered and to give it all up for becoming the uncertainty of becoming an actress. It is the biggest risk I took, but the best decision I ever made.
2. Did you ever think or dream of being an actor?
To be honest I always knew I love to express myself. In fact, in my 1st-grade school report card the teachers didn't praise me for just academics, they spoke about my improvisation in the school play. I loved acting since I was a child. Theatre was my favorite class and when I auditioned professionally, I knew this is what I want.
I feel I always knew this is where I belong, but it took a corporate career to understand where my heart really belongs. So I chose my childhood dream, of becoming an actress. It was within me all along, but I guess we all need a push to see what we really want.
3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?
The best way to start is to literally just start! Pick up the camera and record! Make your own short films, grab a friend to perform a scene with, learn monologues, take your mobile camera and just start shooting! Acting is more about doing, rather than talking. Theatre really helps in opening up an individual. Keep reaching out to casting directors, I feel right now is the best time to be an actor as there are so many OTT platforms.
There are lots of opportunities for actors. Confidence is something you have to always work on, often you can be the best actor yet not feel confident, and that is completely normal. It's important to believe in yourself and your craft wholeheartedly, as there will be alot of noise. Alot of criticism about how tough it is and how you should choose a more attainable dream. You need to love your craft so much that your passion overtakes your fears.
4. If not this, what would you be doing?
I would've been working as a lawyer or probably still as a risk consultant. I was very grateful for my corporate career as well. Being a consultant made me great with people, which really helps an actor.
5. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?
My advice is simple - keep working! You never know what opportunity knocks on your door and when. I remember how through the short films I would write and act would get noticed by directors and I would get calls for auditions. Keep putting your work out there and don't be afraid of rejections, because rejection is redirection.
6. What is your mantra of success?
In a world full of criticism, you have to be your own motivation. Don't focus on the reasons something won't work out If there is even one reason that it will. Also, I've learned never to be afraid of failure as it often teaches us more than even success.
7. Which is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This book taught me to dream, to take risks, to fall in love, and to believe I can achieve anything if I set my heart to it. It truly changed my life at a stage I really needed a push to get outside my comfort zone.
Himanee Bhatia - Actress, Model, and Host
Interviewed By: Nishad Kinhikar
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