Seasoned actress Neelu Kohli, who has been a part of several TV shows and films, has been on a quest to play versatile characters for a long time now. Having faced her fair share of struggles, Neelu is aware of the occupational hazards associated with the acting industry.
The actress, who is gearing up for the release of a film, Goodbye, says, “Actors work on a project-basis and there is usually a long wait between two projects (Jogi and Goodbye). We always feel a bit insecure as we could struggle to get work after a shoot wraps up. That’s the most challenging aspect of being an actor. I wish things were simpler. This was one of the reasons why my family insisted on me taking up a secure job. I was a bright student and everyone at home expected me to pursue clinical psychology but I had different aspirations (smiles).”
Nilu has established herself as an actress who sinks her teeth deep into the character offered to her. When quizzed about her approach to the characters that piqued her interest, she shares, “Passion drives you to achieve your goal. While I was busy on the small screen, on many occasions, I found the character I was playing then monotonous. But I continued to play it because I needed the money.”
It was her constant desire to push the envelope as an actor that prompted her to take a break from the small screen. Her last stint was four years ago with Naamkarann. “It was during the shoot of Naamkarann that I experienced burnout. Hence, I decided to take a back seat on TV and explore films and OTT,” she explains. “I was amazed that there was so much to learn and it turned out to be a fresh start for me. Some people assumed that getting work would be easier in a new industry, as I was an established artiste. But believe me, it is extremely difficult to make a place for yourself in this big, mad world of films. I began auditioning by the dozens. I auditioned thrice before I bagged the part of Abhishek Bachchan’s mother in Manmarziyaan,” she adds.
Bagging meaningful projects in Bollywood wasn’t as easy as she had thought. “Luck plays an important role in an actor’s career. I have been replaced by a known actor at the last minute in films. I would get upset, but then the positive side of it was that a big name replaced me (smiles). I am a good actor and I am looking for an opportunity that helps me win the trust of the directors and production houses with my acting chops,” she says.
On a parting note, Nilu talks about her journey and current phase. “I am looking forward to the release of Goodbye, in which I played a significant role. Coming from TV to film was a big step, especially when everyone slotted me as a TV actor. But I am fortunate that I explored various mediums in my career and the tag didn’t stay with me for long. However, in the last four years, things have changed drastically. I have had to prove myself in terms of talent, hard work, and being a production-friendly actor. I'm having a good time shooting for films and OTT projects. I am enjoying this phase in my career, as I get time to indulge in things I haven’t done all these years. I am rediscovering myself. Over some time, I have started focusing on quality over quantity,” she signs off.
