02 July,2026 03:52 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti Sampat
Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia (Pic/Instagram)
Actor Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia has opened up about her journey in the entertainment industry, revealing how she has consciously shaped her career despite being a first-generation actor with no industry connections and now with Ab Hisaab Hoga, new avenues open for her. In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, the actress reflected on her transition from television to reality shows and regional cinema while explaining why she has always prioritised meaningful roles over glamorous appearances.
Recalling how she entered the industry, Nimrit shared that participating in the Femina Miss India pageant was her gateway into showbiz. "I think from the very get go, from the time that I started out, the reason I did Miss India was because that was the only way I knew to come here," she said.
The actress revealed that her parents had given her a limited timeframe to establish herself in Mumbai. "My parents were pretty clear in terms of giving me a timeline to crack something here," she said, adding that she simply tried to make the most of every opportunity that came her way.
Nimrit credited her television debut in Choti Sarrdaarni for changing the course of her career. "That's how Chhoti Sarrdaarni happened. In retrospect, I feel like five months into the show, COVID hit. So, that was a great decision. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been here in the very first place," she recalled.
However, she clarified that television was never her final destination. "That didn't define me from the long-term goal of where I want to see myself. One also realizes that you're a first generation in any industry. To think that, 'Oh my God, I'm going to be somewhere overnight,' that's not something that happens. You have to always work towards it."
Reflecting on her eight-year journey, Nimrit said she has constantly evolved without becoming complacent. "I have grown, evolved, and I've never become complacent or comfortable in what I'm trying to achieve," she said.
The actress also explained why she decided to participate in Bigg Boss 16 after making a name for herself on television. "With television, I could reach a very loyal and a very massive audience. But then they also loved me for the character that I was playing, which is why I essentially felt like, okay, now it's time that people should know who I am."
She added, "I agreed to do a show like Bigg Boss because I felt like it was important. If I'm going to sit and think that I'm going to get a launch pad, that's not going to happen. You need to create your own opportunities."
Acknowledging the absence of industry backing, Nimrit said, "We're not coming with any kind of legacy. There is no excitement about why anybody would want to know anything about me. I don't come from any kind of legacy. So, doing Bigg Boss made sense."
The actress also revealed that she turned down an immediate offer for Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 after Bigg Boss, choosing instead to participate a year later. "It was a very conscious decision because I also feel like it's important to evolve and bring a fresh perspective to who you are," she explained.
Talking about her Punjabi film debut, Nimrit said she deliberately chose Shaunki Sardaar despite receiving offers opposite bigger stars. "It's not like Punjabi films didn't come before to me. They were coming since the time that I was doing television. I finally felt like I was part of a story where she was the catalyst and had an impact on the overall narrative."
She admitted that opportunities are limited for someone without industry connections but believes quality matters more than screen time. "It's not so much about the screen time, but what you make of what you're getting to do. That's why I chose Shaunki as my debut Punjabi film and not the other films that were offered opposite even bigger names."
Nimrit also made it clear that she has consciously stayed away from decorative roles. "I just felt like I don't want to be in a flowerpot situation and have a flowerpot role for so long. There's nothing really contributing to the narrative but looking pretty."
While she isn't against glamorous characters, the actress said her priorities remain firmly rooted in performance. "It's not like I don't want to do all of that too, but I would much rather prove myself as an actor first and then try and explore that space."
Explaining the reason behind her choices, she concluded, "Sadly, we get stereotyped very quickly. Until and unless you don't showcase a side of you, casting also happens in a very specific space and mindset. I didn't want it to be frivolous. I like to play characters that challenge me, ground me, change me and push me."
