Actress Niki Aneja Wahlia recently opened up about her entry into the film industry, despite her desire to become a pilot. She also recalled feeling ‘uncomfortable’ while filming her debut movie, Mr Azaad, in 1994. Here’s what she shared about the experience.
In the interview with Siddharth Kanan, Niki shared that her dream was to become a pilot and study aviation in Houston, Texas. However, when her father declined to fund her education, her cousin Parmeet Sethi suggested she try modelling to earn money. Shortly after, Pahlaj Nihalani offered her a film role, which she accepted, primarily because it was opposite Anil Kapoor.
Niki mentioned that her father, who owned a studio, was opposed to her joining the film industry due to the prevalence of the casting couch at the time. At just 19, she felt disheartened and disillusioned when she experienced bullying and objectification on the sets of her debut film, particularly during the outdoor shoot in Ooty.
The actress also recalled how she was uncomfortable and objectified during her early days in the industry. She shared that she was told to compromise and was pressured into dining with distributors. When she questioned it, the producer suggested that it was necessary to sell the film. Niki emphasized that she never resonated with such practices.
Niki recalled asking Pahlaj why she needed to promote the film when Anil Kapoor was already involved, which led to her being labeled “infamous” on set. She admitted that she considered quitting acting after the negative experience, but her father’s passing and the debt he left behind, along with her positive experience on the set of Yes Boss with Shah Rukh Khan, kept her going.