Samiksha Bhatnagar on her journey from small-screen to Bollywood

Samiksha Bhatnagar was seen in various Hindi Serials on Star Plus and Zee TV until 2014 in both supporting as well as lead roles. She did a cameo in Madhur Bhandarkar's Calendar Girls released in the year 2015 marking her Bollywood debut. Samiksha Bhatnagar who was last seen in Shreyas Talpade directed movie 'Poster Boys' opposite Bobby Deol tells mid-day about her journey from television to Bollywood and lot more.

Samiksha Bhatnagar

>> Tell us about your childhood in Dehradun
I have fond memories of my childhood in Rishikesh and Dehradun, where I grew up learning the nuances of Indian Classical Music & Dance. I learnt vocal and instrumental music and gained expertise in Kathak from my Mother while pursuing my studies & college. I have also won awards in Long Jump during national.

>> You had set up a dance academy in Delhi. Why did you shut it down?
I moved to Delhi post my college and started my career journey as and with the vision to set up my dance Academy, I was associated with renowned schools in Delhi NCR and in-parallel learnt various western dance forms like Jazz, Ballet and contemporary. While I was working for Head of Performing Arts focusing on Drama, Dance, and Music and running my Dance academy successfully in Gurugram (Erstwhile Gurgaon), I continue to aspire big and shifted to Mumbai to give my best shot in the world of Acting.

>> From dancing to TV, how was your transition?
The path to success is never to easy especially if you have no network in the city of dreams. I started giving auditions and establishing key contacts to get going into the television show and managed to crack my first Big Break with 'Veera'. My role was well received by the audience which also gave me the name in the television industry. I then got some path-breaking roles in Uttaran, 'Jaane Kya hoga Rama Re' and anchoring for Stree Shakti.

>> How was the experience of working with Deol brothers?
I utilised my breaks in up-skilling and enhancing my acting skills with the medium of Theatre and contemporary Dance which guided my journey into Bollywood. Poster Boys happened like a click of a button and I had a wonderful time working with Deol Brothers. Majorly I had scenes with Bobby sir but I interacted with Sunny sir during promotions. I have huge respect for Deol family and it was a dream-come true moment for me.

>> How was the experience of working with Shreyas Talpade?
Shreyas sir is not only a superb actor and meticulous director but also a genuine human being. He maintains a great camaraderie with everyone during the shoot.

>> Did you feel jitters when your film was about to release?
I felt nervous and excited at the same time. Its one of those feeling that you can't really explain. The movie was received by the audience, industry people and critics and have done well at box office.

>> What does Box office collection mean to you?
Box office collection certainly is a good measure for every film when it comes to audience turnout and commercial value. On top of it, recognition of the work from key industry people and appreciations across the fan-base was indeed heartfelt.

>> From TV to now Bollywood. Is that goodbye to the small screen?
Bollywood is going through significant transformation phase post 'Baahubali'. There has been a paradigm shift in the audience viewing experience which is leading to more meaningful cinema. Television shows are also in the similar boat and evolving to the next level to further enhance the viewing experience. Hence I'm looking forward to more quintessential role whether on TV or Films.

>> How do controversies affect you?
Controversies do affect the everyday balance and certainly triggers your thought process and the way we approach situations in a certain way. I have been fortunate so far in that department. I meet and connect with positive people around me and try to keep negativity at bay.

>> What are your upcoming projects?
There have been talks going on but nothing finalised yet. In the meantime, I'm focusing on my fitness regime and upskilling myself in MMA and B-boying, a new form of dance.