Saloni Batra, known for her role in the hit film Animal, has confirmed her return in the sequel, tentatively titled Animal Park or Animal 2. In an exclusive interview with Zoom, the actress also opened up about her experiences as an outsider navigating the Bollywood film industry.

Batra, who played Ranbir Kapoor's elder sister in Animal, acknowledged the challenges faced by those without industry connections. "It's been a series of learning ups and downs. It's not been a simple straight road," she shared. "Because you don't come from that backing, we have our different set of struggles, which are quite scary sometimes." Despite the difficulties, she expressed gratitude for her journey. "I am happy to have gone through this process because it has taught me a lot," Batra said. She added, "I found my calling when I came to Mumbai. I didn't even want to become an actor. I come from a design background."

The actress emphasized the mental toll that these struggles can take. "It is difficult. It is mentally taxing," Batra noted. However, she remains determined to persevere. "I want to keep going even if I am put down by anybody or circumstance in life," she affirmed. Batra also reflected on how her experiences in Mumbai have shaped her. "Every difficult circumstance in this city has changed me, deepened me, and given me a new lens on life," she said. "I'm not the same person who moved here years ago - I've grown, I've evolved, and I carry immense gratitude for the city, the industry, and the lessons it has given me."

Addressing her role in the Animal sequel, Batra expressed her enthusiasm. "I will be there in Animal 2," she confirmed. "People liked Animal; hence, makers want to make this kind of cinema for entertainment and action. It is good for the box office and for us as well."

Batra has also been featured in the web series Bhay, which also stars Kalki Koechlin, Karan Tacker, and Danish Sood. In addition to Animal 2, Batra has several upcoming projects, including the shows Gaanth and Khalbaali Records. In Gaanth, directed by Kanishk Verma, she plays a cop, while in Khalbaali Records, directed by Devanshu Singh, she portrays a CEO alongside Ram Kapoor, who plays her father. She is also working with RSVP on an anthology directed by Alankrita Srivastava.

Reflecting on the debates surrounding Animal's portrayal of an "alpha male," Batra stated, "I'm glad that criticism, the debates happened". She added, "I loved it stirred so many conversations. It went into the conscience, which cinema should do".

Despite the challenges, Batra remains focused on growth and contribution. "I want to carry films and narratives on my shoulders, connecting with viewers in a way that inspires and resonates," she said. "I also want to do comic roles, make people laugh, and explore all facets of my personality, because I have so much to give and receive in return."