Kajol Chugh - As Long as You Enjoy the Ride to the Destination, Hop On, Sisyphus! We’re in This Together (Nimmi from Feels like Ishq)

A wise man, also known as my Father, once said "If you're embarking on this journey of being an actor, you should have 0 plan Bs". And I can't thank him enough for supporting me that way.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I was the little performative kid who would sing & dance for guests without being forced or even asked to. But, I was also your typical nerd in school, who topped the class and was a total teacher's pet. My sister and I grew up dreaming our dad's dream - of us becoming Doctors. 

However, we did change course once we graduated school, and our parents were nothing but supportive. It did take some amount of convincing and them to understand our perspective, which was aided by the fact that we were now taking up our grandparents' dreams.

So yes, it does run in the family. My grandfather was a Mumbai based theatre actor in his younger years.

I began acting in the 11th, I was part of the dramatics association at my college. I realised nothing makes me as happy as performing, so I took up a BA course in Theatre Studies. I began auditioning for acting gigs (theatre & screen) in my second year. 

I worked with local theatre groups, did a few ad films, a music video, a short film and attended theatre festivals. By the time I graduated I signed my first film - "Shakeela" (2020)! I shot for it and moved to Mumbai, to give it my all. I began auditioning daily, sometimes with no days off. And I continue to do so till now.

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

I did! In fact, I've known I've wanted to be an actor for the longest time. It was my little secret with myself.

I did mention it once, in 4th standard and I heard a laugh from the backbenches. I decided to never speak of it again. It took some time, confidence and a big push from my family for me to admit it and actually work towards it.

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

I can only tell you what I've done and what has worked for me, so - I watched a lot of interviews of actors I admire to know their journey, made sure I studied the craft of acting, approached the people I'd like to work with and most of all - surrounded myself with people that believe in me.

I'd like to quote a tweet I came across - "You must do the job before you actually get the job, in order to get the job." (Read it twice)

One of the most valuable things, my Theatre Studies Dept. Head Late Mrs Esther Yates taught me was to meticulously practise every day. It's a life hack to boost confidence and believe in yourself, as an actor.

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

I did have other plans. I really liked maths and wanted to be a CA. I wanted to take that up and try acting on the side. A wise man, also known as my Father, once said "If you're embarking on this journey of being an actor, you should have 0 plan Bs". And I can't thank him enough for supporting me that way.

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

Just know that there is no Struggle "Phase". We're constantly being challenged, in any career for that matter. You might have problems today, and once you make it past them, you'll still have problems, just different ones, maybe better ones? So, as long as you enjoy the ride to the destination, hop on, Sisyphus! We're in this together.

6. What is your mantra of success?

Quite simple - Be The You You Want To Be.
It's on the same page as "Fake It Till You Make It" but it's phrased differently in my head.

7. Which is your favourite book and why?

I'm not an avid reader although I'd like to be. I mostly read non-fiction.
Like A Flowing River by Paulo Coelho is definitely on top of the list. I keep going back to the book for the small impactful life lessons and values it teaches me.

Brief Bio: 

Kajol Chugh, 24 is a full-time actor and learner and part-time foodie. Kajol debuted on the Netflix series "Feels Like Ishq" in 2021 and can be spotted in "Shakeela" (2020), Netflix's Bombay Begums (2021), Jason & Nyra on Spotify and various ad films. She has another series and independent film on the way.

Interviewed by - Vanshika Jain

-