1- Early Career Transition: You embarked on a remarkable journey shifting from a successful career at KPMG to pursuing your childhood passion for acting and writing. What inspired this transition, and how did your corporate experience influence your approach to your artistic endeavors?
I believe a creative person, specially actors and writers can’t hide for too long behind society’s expectations. I always loved acting in live theatre, school plays, and college stage performances, was the lead dancer in my college dance group and used to write short stories for as long as I can remember.
During my days at my job at KPMG, which I am again very grateful for, I decided to act and write a short film called ‘Act Normal’ which is based on the struggles of mental health and how people often go through battles like depression without anyone else knowing. My job at KPMG was consulting which taught me how to understand people and emotions, which I feel shows in my performances today, as understanding people and characters is important to be an actress.
2 – Balancing Act: Juggling a demanding job at KPMG while studying law and pursuing acting simultaneously must have been challenging. Could you share some insights into how you managed to balance these different aspects of your life effectively?
I remember I used to study for my law exams while travelling in the metro train to office every day. I had exactly 45 minutes and had to change two trains, which gave me time to study. I was also working on legal compliances at KPMG and my law degree helped in learning my job better. When there is a will there is a way after all.
3 – Artistic Evolution: From starting with theatre to winning prestigious awards like the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, your journey in the entertainment industry has been remarkable. How has your craft evolved over the years, and what have been the most significant milestones in your artistic journey so far?
It has been truly a blessing from the almighty. I am a complete outsider in the industry with no connections to anyone in films, yet I am the same girl who after office hours used to perform at a local theatre from Delhi, and today, a known face in the industry. From Delhi to moving to Mumbai to follow my dreams, not having a house to stay in Mumbai, being an absolute stranger to the city and industry, God somehow managed to bless me.
I worked on various short films, webseries, sketch videos, advertisements, brand endorsements and hosting before I got my life changing film, ‘Blink’ which got me The prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. My craft will only grow more and more as now I have my audience that believes in me and I will always do my best to make them proud of my work.
A milestone in my career is when my parents were there at The Dadasaheb Phalke Award clapping for me saying ‘We are proud of you.’ There is no achievement bigger than that.
4 – Social Impact: Your short film, “Act Normal,” addressed the stigma around mental health issues and garnered widespread acclaim. Could you tell us more about the inspiration behind the film and the message you aimed to convey to your audience?
I always believe that jaan hai toh jahaan hai. I saw many people in my life go through anxiety,depression or battling with their mental health and saw their daily struggle for them to ‘Act Normal’ and how they could never gather the courage to talk about it in society as people, even in today’s day and age, have a stigma around talking about mental health. Through Act Normal I wanted to show the life of those people and how we shouldn’t force people to ‘Act Normal’ and live in agony. I want to encourage conversations about mental health without judgement, normalisation of therapy and not having any shame to talk to friends and family, seek medical help when needed, and most of all recognise it , not differentiate between physical and mental health, by dismissing mental health as just ‘sadness’ . When one has a fever ,which affects physical health, it’s treated as a health issue , then why do we not treat mental health which affects the whole mind and ultimately the body too?
5 – Multifaceted Career: You’ve ventured into various creative roles such as acting, writing, producing, and hosting. How do you navigate between these different roles, and do you have a favorite aspect of your multifaceted career?
For me acting and writing is my favourite. I love everything about my career, but these two give me the best platform to express my soul.
6 – Content Creation: Your production house, ‘Himanee Bhatia Films,’ focuses on creating content that tackles taboo subjects. What drives your choice of topics, and how do you ensure that your content resonates with diverse audiences?
My friends call me and empath and often that shows in my work. I have always been someone to stand up for what’s right, and I believe in breaking stigma. I feel even a commercial film can do these things too. I make films from my heart, and I guess the audience connects to that. I never have a strategy to make it reasonate with the audience, but definitely I understand people, which shows in the films I produce l.
7 – Achievements and Recognition: Your list of accolades is impressive, including prestigious awards like the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and recognition from the Maharashtra government. Could you share with us some memorable moments from your journey as an artist and the significance of these accolades in your career?
I remember when I won my first award I was dancing and giggling like a 5 year old. Infact at The Global fame award which was given to me by the very talented actress Neha Dhupia, I was so excited I ended up breaking my arm! Even in the media bytes and all my award photos from that night have my arm in a plaster. I took ‘break a bone’ quite literally. Hehe!
To recieve these awards is a big honour for me and I am so grateful to the state of Maharashtra for recognising this Delhi girl’s work and taking me in her arms like a daughter. I am also elated to share my film Act Normal has come in the Top 100 films of The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2024 recently.
8 – Future Endeavors: What can we expect next from Himanee Aarya Bhatia? Are there any upcoming projects or goals that you’re particularly excited about sharing with your audience?
Yes there are 3 projects in the pipeline. I am currently not allowed to speak about them but they will be announced officially very soon.
9 – Advice for Aspiring Artists: Given your unconventional path to success, what advice would you give to young individuals who are hesitant to pursue their passion in the face of societal expectations or professional commitments?
As cliche as it sounds, JUST GO FOR IT! There will be a lot of advice from society, but ‘Suno Sabki, Karo Man Ki’- people will give judgements, they will question your ability.. you are not accountable to any of them. The only person you need to prove anything to is the person standing infront of the mirror. Keep auditioning. If you are giving auditions you are a working actor already. Whether the first 100 auditions don’t work out, have the courage to give the 101st audition too. Work on your skillset everyday. Read, practice monologue scripts on the internet , honestly have fun! Don’t take the journey so seriously, be excited for auditions, for learning and trust me you will love it. There is struggle yes, alot of highs and lows but remember very few people can do what you are doing, so be proud of yourself! Know when to relax your mind and take the day off, knowing that once you’ve got your energy back you will be back doing your grind with full Power!
10 – Legacy: Looking ahead, how would you like to be remembered in the world of entertainment and beyond? What legacy do you hope to leave behind through your work and contributions to society?
I always say in my award functions – ‘Ek Try Toh Banta Hai’
I would want people to remember me as the girl who took a huge risk, kept trying till she did it, and eventually made her dreams come true.
Ek try toh Banta hai, kyunki try karein Bina aapko poori zindagi pachtawa rahega.
Toh jab bhi dar Lage , mirror mei dekho aur bolo-
Ek try toh Banta hai!
Kyunki Himanee Aarya Bhatia ne try karke hi apne sapne sajaye.
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