Nimrat Kaur, now a well-known name in Bollywood, recently opened up about the difficult period she faced before achieving fame with "The Lunchbox." In a recent interview, she shared the anxieties and uncertainties that plagued her during her early days in Mumbai, revealing a time when she was close to giving up on her acting dream.
Before landing her breakthrough role in "The Lunchbox," Nimrat faced significant financial struggles. She recalled a time when her bank balance was critically low, leaving her uncertain about how she would sustain herself in the city. The pressure of making ends meet while pursuing a career in acting was immense. She questioned her capabilities and even contemplated returning home, a prospect she viewed as a form of humiliation.
Nimrat spoke candidly about the emotional toll of her struggles. There were days when she felt overwhelmed with sadness and loneliness. The challenges seemed insurmountable, and she often found herself crying, grappling with doubt and despair. Despite these hardships, a persistent inner voice urged her not to give up. This internal resilience became her driving force, pushing her forward even when faced with adversity.
In those early years, Nimrat took on various jobs to keep her dream alive. She appeared in music videos for a couple of months and acted in numerous advertisements. She also dedicated four to five years to theater, honing her skills and gaining valuable experience. However, the financial instability remained a constant source of worry. She often wondered where her next paycheck would come from and questioned whether she was good enough to succeed in the industry.
Nimrat described how she would actively seek opportunities, personally delivering her photographs to hundreds of agencies and banners. She meticulously marked out areas and traveled by trains, buses, and autos, as she couldn't afford cabs at the time. The cost of living in Mumbai, including mobile phone calls, was exorbitant, adding to her financial strain. She remembers using public call offices (PCOs) to call her mother, often breaking down in tears and expressing her sadness and frustration.
The actress also reflected on the societal pressures she faced. Before the success of "The Lunchbox," people often questioned her career choices and urged her to get married and "settle down." There was a perception that her pursuit of acting was merely a hobby, and many doubted her long-term commitment to the industry. This pressure only subsided after the recognition she received for her role in the critically acclaimed film.
Nimrat acknowledges that struggles are an inherent part of life and that they evolve over time. Looking back, she recognizes that her initial struggles were centered around the uncertainty of her career path and the ability to earn a living through acting. The success of "The Lunchbox" brought her much-needed validation and recognition, silencing the doubts of those around her. She expresses immense gratitude for the opportunity to have worked with the late actor Irrfan Khan in the film, considering it one of life's greatest honors.