I wasn’t offered anything worth leaving my kids in UK for: Niki
Actor Niki Aneja Walia believes in doing the right things at the right time. Understandably, when her show Astitva…Ek Prem Kahani ended in 2006, the actor decided to take a break from a flourishing career, to start family. She says the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ adage doesn’t bother her, as talent and good work always get recognition.
Niki, who is now back on TV with the role of a mother, shares what also kept her away was lack of quality roles on TV. “I needed to complete my cycle of life, and purposely decided to take the break. I was blessed with twins, which was a handful. And unlike India, life in UK has been all about doing everything yourself,” she explains why the break has been necessary.
“Apart from Astitva, I’ve done iconic shows such as Sea Hawks, Baat Ban Jaye, Dastaan, Gharwaali Uparwaali, and Andhi Jazbaat Ki. I also did a TV series in the UK, along with taking care of my babies. I also did Shaandaar (2015) with Karan Johar,” Niki reflects.
About her break from TV, Niki says, “At the time I left TV, that is when Astitva ended, I wasn’t being offered anything worth leaving my kids in UK and coming to India for work. And I realised that not everyone is Ajai Sinha (director and writer of the show). Hence, I’ve no regrets. Then I was offered this (her ongoing) show, and the character was something I couldn’t say ‘no’ to,” she says.
The 45-year-old has also decided to stay in India as long as she gets good work and travel to UK as and when required.
Interestingly, Niki will soon be seen in a Bollywood film, Lupt, alongside Jaaved Jaaferi. “It’s a wonderful thriller. There are no arms falling, no eyes popping, no blood anywhere. But the way it’s being treated, will give you chills,” the actor reveals.
But Niki had her own reservations about the film. “I wasn’t ready to do this film initially, given the class of horror films done here. But Mukesh Chhabra (casting director) told me ‘you wanted meaty roles and this won’t disappoint you’. Actually, after Shaandaar, I told him I didn’t just want to play Alia Bhatt’s mum, but something that gave me the opportunity to perform. The narrative (of Lupt) was on a treatment level, and I could visualise most scenes,” she signs off.