Shivaleeka Oberoi ‘s fascination with films, and Bollywood in particular, started at a very early age. She comes from a Punjabi family, born and brought up in Mumbai. Her father is a businessman and her mother was a headmistress of a school in Mumbai. Shivaleeka’s Grandfather passed away when her father was of a very young age, but was briefly a part of the film industry back in 1967 and had produced a Bollywood film titled – Sheba and Hercules.
With a keen interest in films and an eye for detail, Shivaleeka kick-started her career in the film industry immediately after the completion of her graduation. She pursued her degree from Mumbai University with majors in English and Psychology; while also enrolled herself in Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares acting school for a diploma in acting.
Her decision to become an actress was briefly paused to understand the dynamics of filmmaking and being on an actual set. During this period she got the opportunity to become an assistant director on 2 major projects – Kick (2014) and Housefull 3 (2016), under the Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment banner. After the completion of the projects, she started auditioning and made her Bollywood debut with a romantic thriller ‘Yeh Saali Aashiqui’ (2019). She was also nominated for Filmfare – Best Female Debut for her first film. Her Second film Khuda Haafiz directed by Faruk Kabir
was released on Disney + Hotstar, due to the pandemic and, was showered with a lot of love and appreciation from audiences across the globe. Her role of Nargis in Khuda Haafiz will be reprised in Khuda Haafiz part II, set to be shot in 2021.
Women Fitness India gets in a candid chat with future superstar Shivaleeka Oberoi over movies and dreams!
Namita Nayyar:
Shivaleeka, you started your journey as an assistant director and finally made a debut as an actor with Yeh Saali Aashiqui, tell us how has the journey been for you and when did you decide to be an actor
Shivaleeka Oberoi :
I led a life away from the world of Cinema with no ‘filmy’ connections in my family or close friends. Despite this, acting found its way to me, and eventually, it became my focus. The journey from the beginning has been a challenging one, but I find challenges to be exciting!
At the early age of 5, is when I remember, I started enacting scenes from movies. The most prominent memory I have is of me imitating the famous Poo from ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’ played by Kareena Kapoor Khan, and it is one of my fondest memories.
As I grew older and started college, I decided to enroll myself in Anupam Kher’s acting school. Ever since that decision, it has been a roller coaster ride in the industry. After the completion of my course, I ended up getting a few commercials. I was advised by Sajid sir to get behind-the-camera experience first, before getting in front of it. Taking his advice, I assisted on two movies – Kick (2014) & Housefull 3 (2016). This really helped me understand the nuances and the details that would go into making a good film and essentially how actors could contribute to making every scene a great one. After this, I decided to kick off my acting career.
I gave a lot of auditions, read a few scripts and then ‘Yeh Saali Aashiqui’ happened for me! My family would often worry about this career choice I made for myself, but they’ve always been encouraging and ever so supportive. For that, I’m truly grateful.
Namita Nayyar:
With the pandemic 2020, you made a debut on the OTT platforms with Khuda Haafiz, due you believe that it was a boon or bane? Also, do you plan to do more web series in the future?
Shivaleeka Oberoi:
The pandemic has had its fair share of Pros & Cons for everyone. Initially when Khuda Haafiz took off, we had envisioned a theatrical release and everything was planned and shot keeping the theatre experience in mind.
Due to the unfortunate occurrence of the pandemic, the makers had to make a decision of saving it for a theatrical release or going ahead with an OTT release. Pros and cons were weighed, and they finally decided to put the film out. I believe this decision worked extremely well for us because it had a massive reach of audiences globally and we were showered with immense love and support for the film. After all, they say – ‘whatever happens, happens for the good!’ So I believe the release of Khuda Haafiz on an OTT platform during the pandemic was a boon for all of us.
OTT platforms have been a game-changer, as we have witnessed through the pandemic, it has also changed how viewers consume content. The ease and accessibility for people to view any film or show at the comfort of their home has really helped gain more traction for all content put out on OTT platforms. I always look out for roles and scripts that challenge me and help me grow as an actor. Be it roles for films or any web show. I don’t really have any limitations about being a part of any script (film/OTT) as long as it intrigues and excites me.
Namita Nayyar:
With a lot of speculations and talks on nepotism, you have made it in the industry on your own, your word of wisdom for other freshers
Shivaleeka Oberoi:
It is not easy being an actor and it is not an easy career choice to make. There’s a need for a lot of hard work and perseverance that this job demands. All the generations of actors/actresses make it look so effortless, kudos to them!
My only advice to anyone starting out or thinking of taking up this career would be to believe in themselves, even when no one else does. Connections can give you a great start, but only true belief in yourself and willingness to do better with every role will help progress from becoming a good actor to a great actor.
Namita Nayyar:
Women Fitness India talks about celebrity diet and fitness routine, do you follow any
particular diet? Your favorite meal for breakfast
Shivaleeka Oberoi:
I love food! Coming from a Punjabi family, I’ve always been surrounded by people who love to cook,
eat and feed people as well!
I love experimenting and trying different cuisines. So being able to maintain a strict diet is a bit of a
challenge for me, but I make sure I balance out everything by being consistent with my workout. As
a part of my ‘diet’, I try avoiding fried food and sugar as much as possible. My go-to breakfast is a poached egg with a side of avocado and mushrooms on toast! And an aloo ka paratha on Sundays. Because you cannot remove the Punjabi-ness from a Punjabi girl. Haha!
Namita Nayyar:
What comprises your fitness regime? How many days in a week do you train? Do you practice yoga? Who do you think has a fit body (female) in Bollywood?
Shivaleeka Oberoi:
My fitness regime is a fun mix of cardio, weight training, functional training, and Pilates. My trainer
works very hard to keep my everyday workout a lot of fun and slightly different than the last regime.
I aim to train 5 to 6 times a week, and when I’m having a hectic or a busy week I ensure that
there are at least 3 days of training.
From the industry, I think, Katrina Kaif has a phenomenal physique and is super fit!
Namita Nayyar:
Being the cover girl for Women Fitness India, you are an inspiration to many, share tips for
aspiring actors who wish to enter the industry
Shivaleeka Oberoi:
I believe there is no such thing as ‘know it all’ about the craft. Every moment, every conversation is
an observation and learning in itself. Never stop working on your skills and always do everything
with confidence. Continue to educate yourself, learn new skills, read books about acting. Keep
rehearsing in front of the camera, be your own critic and teacher. As Leonardo Da Vinci said
“Learning never exhausts the mind”, and I too follow that in every way possible.
Namita Nayyar:
What are upcoming future plans and projects in 2021? Also places to travel on the bucket list
Shivaleeka Oberoi:
We’re currently shooting for Khuda Haafiz Chapter II, and I’m very excited to share my upcoming
film with everyone. I do have a couple of fun projects I’m looking forward to. Guess you’ll have to
wait to find out!
My work takes me to a lot of new places in the city, country & internationally; I’m grateful for that. I
love going to new places, exploring destinations, and trying new cuisines! I wish to travel the world
and explore every place, that’s my bucket list. I’m not the one to settle for a location or two.
Hopefully, this year will be good and I’ll be able to tick 1 or 2 places off my list.
Namita Nayyar:
You recently appeared in a music album with Asim Riaz, how was the experience on the
shoot and with the love showered by the fans?
Shivaleeka Oberoi:
Saiyyonee was the first music video I chose to feature in. The moment I heard the song and the
vision the director narrated, I knew this was going to be my first music video. The song was so soulful
and was stuck in my head for a long time. Being a part of the music video was a lot of fun and it was
a great experience. I got the opportunity to work with an amazing team!
I was overwhelmed with all the love we got from the music video.
Namita Nayyar:
You have flawless skin and hair, organic homemade rituals that you swear by
Shivaleeka Oberoi:
Oh, well! Nani ke nuskhe have always come to my rescue. Nothing beats the good old lemon & honey face pack. And a good champi atleast once a week with a mix of various essential oils that keeps my hair healthy
Namita Nayyar:
Lastly, message for our readers on focusing on being physically and mentally fit
Shivaleeka Oberoi:
They say that good health is a perfect balance of exercise, nutrition, and thoughts. Regular workout is known to have a significant impact on serotonin levels, which helps stimulate your mood and general existence. Both, mental health and physical health go hand in hand and follow a circle of co-dependency. At the same time, it is important to keep a positive mindset which can help any individual keep their life stress-free.
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
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