Nidhi Gunjal, a television stylist, started as an associate creative head with Balaji Telefilms. Today, she is content with the professional footing that she has achieved but this is definitely not the end of the road for her.

Tellychakkar.com features this woman in its ‘Behind The lens’ segment. Read on...

When and how did your journey begin in the industry?

I joined Balaji in 2008 as an associate creative head (ACH) and worked with them on shows like Kuchh Is Tara, Kasamh Se and Kasturi. I quit the industry soon after to only get back as an actor in 2013. I’ve worked in a film which is in its post production phase at the moment. Next I joined Bindass’ Yeh Hai Aashiqui as a stylist. At the moment, I am in talks with a couple of production houses and if things work out I will style for one of the daily soaps.

Did you always want to be a part of the industry?

Around 2002-2003, I had come to Mumbai from Shimla for a college trip and when I reached the city I fell in love with it. That’s when I had decided that I’d be a part of the entertainment business. This wasn’t my first trip to Mumbai. I was born in this city but later shifted to Delhi where I completed my schooling and then moved to Shimla.

You’ve done creative work, acting and you’re styling now but which of these will be your career choice at the end of the day?

I am also a writer (laughs). I like writing too. Getting back to your question I’d choose acting because I enjoy being in front of the camera. But at the same time, I love experimenting and exploring. It gives me a high. There are a lot of people who call me crazy and I take that as a compliment. I am doing what I am doing and I am thankful to my parents for letting me be the crazy me.

Why did you take a break from the industry?

I chose life over money. So, though the industry gives you a lot of money there is no time for oneself at the end of the day. I had reached that point and that’s why I started travelling, one of my passions.

Things you don’t like about the industry?

There are a lot of ego hassles here. Everyone has their own view point and they want things to go their way; be it the writer, creative, channel or the actor. They all feel they are perfect people hence, they don’t want to work on the same page. At times this benefits the end result as they are all putting their best. Otherwise it ends up in a messy situation. I know I am going to get a lot of flak for this but I don’t like being modest. There is lack of acceptance. Moreover, all the creative brains start functioning at nights. In the middle of the night, they’ll shoot a brilliant idea that needs to be implemented first thing in the morning. They don’t even think that the stores shut at night and that one can’t pick up things till they open. Luckily when you have a good reputation with the store people, they do give you things (winks).

This all sounds quite challenging…

It does but it's fun at the same time. Especially when you see the end result. I have worked around the clock and trust me it gives you a high. Moreover, so many people come to this city risking their future and financial security to be here and when you get the platform why wouldn’t you give in your best.

Have the actors given you a tough time ever?

Lot of times (smiles). You work under pressure the entire day and when you reach them with the final output, they start questioning you and demand change. So, all the hard work that you had put in goes down the drain and you start from scratch again.

Any advice for newcomers…

Know what you want and work towards it. You wouldn’t know what it is like, till you try it and never ever give up. The industry is not that bad, just a few people are (winks).