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In a small town in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, I grew up in a home filled with warmth and comfort, thanks to my father, who worked as a truck driver. Though his profession was modest, he made sure we never lacked anything. For example —he would have leather shoes custom-made for us by a Chinese shoemaker, letting us choose designs from catalogues. These small luxuries reflected his deep commitment to giving us the best, even in the simple setting of our hometown.
Unlike most children fascinated by the glitz of the silver screen, I wasn’t particularly drawn to movies. Instead, my dream was to join the Indian Army. Acting was nowhere on my radar until destiny had its say.
My first brush with theatre came through a fellowship play directed by the late Nirmal Pandey, renowned for his role as Vikram Mallah in Bandit Queen. Nirmal Pandey, along with Zahoor Alam, the head of our local theatre group Yug Munch, saw potential in me I hadn’t realized myself. They prepared me for the National School of Drama (NSD), opening a path to a world I had never imagined. Before that, I was completely unaware of theatre and acting, and I owe my journey to their guidance and belief in me.
In December 2000, with only Rs 30,000, I moved to Mumbai to pursue acting. The journey was far from smooth. Cramped living conditions, small roles, and countless rejections were part of the grind. Frustrated with being typecast, I even took a two-year hiatus from acting.
My initial years in the industry were marked by memorable projects like Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, which earned me a Stardust nomination for Best Breakthrough Performer in 2008. Films like Stree, Bala, and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan followed, carving a niche for me in the industry well before Gullak and Panchayat brought me household fame.
When I landed the role of ‘Bittu ki Mummy’ in Gullak, it became a turning point in my career, showcasing a relatable, humorous side that endeared me to audiences. While these series brought me widespread popularity, my earlier work had already established me as a credible actor.
The pinnacle of my journey came when I walked the red carpet at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for my film Santosh. For someone who once aspired to don the uniform of an Army officer, representing Indian cinema on a global stage felt surreal.
Now, with the benefit of experience, I understand the business better and have no hard feelings about the smaller roles I took along the way. Every project, big or small, played a part in shaping my journey. I firmly believe we all receive our dues at the right time—never sooner, never later. Today, I am content and proud of the path I’ve traveled, from the hills of Uttarakhand to the heights of international recognition.
My story is a testament to the power of resilience, preparation, and faith in the unexpected turns of life. Greatness isn’t about where you begin; it’s about how far you’re willing to go.
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