“I grew up in Navapur, a small town in Maharashtra, where my world revolved around art. Whether it was painting, dancing, or acting in front of the mirror, I was always immersed in creative expression. My family, especially my mother and sister, were my unwavering supporters. They didn’t just encourage me—they believed in me when I doubted myself.

After school, I moved to Pune for college, pursuing fashion design. But my heart was elsewhere. I enrolled in dance classes, training in Bollywood and Western styles. It was during this time that fate introduced me to theatre.

My dance teacher connected me with the Swatantra Theatre Group, and under the guidance of Abhijit Chaudhary sir and Dhanashree Heblikar ma’am, I discovered the transformative power of live performance.

Theatre became my life. I dedicated myself to rehearsals, sometimes spending up to 18 hours a day honing my craft. I took on significant roles in productions like Jab Shehar Hamara Sota Hai and Kabira Khara Bazar Mein.

Even after a severe knee injury that required me to perform with a hinged kneecap, I couldn’t stay away from the stage. It was during these challenging times that I truly understood the depth of my passion.

Transitioning to the screen was a different challenge. I began with short films, each experience teaching me something new. I also ventured into advertisements, including a campaign with Kareena Kapoor Khan for Malabar Gold & Diamonds. These opportunities helped me refine my on-camera presence and understand the nuances of film acting.

The turning point came when I received a message inviting me to audition for the Million Views movie directed by Mr. Anshul Sinha. The film is a gripping, socially relevant thriller that explores porn addiction and online exploitation, showing the pressures many face in the digital age. I was drawn to the role because of its depth and the responsibility to portray a character with authenticity and sensitivity.

Preparing for this role, I transformed physically and emotionally—studying the psychology behind addiction, practicing meditation. Filming in Hyderabad was a wonderful experience and the crew became like family.

Our film, Million Views, will release in Nepal on 12th September 2025, with an India release coming soon. From a small-town girl with big dreams to taking on a lead role in a film that tackles important social issues, every step has required dedication, resilience, and the support of my family. Their belief in me has made it possible to take on challenges that truly matter.”

• Siddhi Jaiswal, Actor & Fashion Designer