Sukhmani Sadana is an Indian writer and actress from Amritsar. She is also The Editor-in-Chief of an International Digital Magazine called F.A.C.E. She played the role of Uttara Bakshi in the TV series Khotey Sikkey that aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
She has also written films for Kunal Kohli, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Endemol, Balaji, Netflix. She won an award for ‘Best Actress’ in Digital Awards 2017 for her web series Love Bytes on Sony Liv.
She appeared in Sacred Games as Bunty’s sister Mikki. She also did a guest appearance in Anurag Kashyap Manmarziyaan.
Check out Sukhmani Sadna in conversation with WF President, Ms. Namita Nayyar on her journey, acting & fitness
Namita Nayyar:
Sukhmani, you have been a writer and an actor – tell us about your journey, and which phase did you enjoy the most?*
Sukhmani Sadana
During my college days in Delhi, I realized my love for writing and advertisement. Later, I studied the same at St. Xaviers College – XIC to follow my passion. Like people say, one thing led to another, and I shifted from advertisement writing to film writing. The switch made me witness the world of movies, and I met Kunal Kohli, Vikram Bhatt, Balaji telefilms, and Karan Johar. From there, my acting journey started because many people would suggest that I should join the field after hearing me narrate the script. I can not comment on what phase I enjoy the most because they both are my passion jobs. It would be like asking to choose between your two eyes. While having said that, I think writing is more challenging than acting. To write, one needs to get into a zone and cut out from the world. With time, I am getting more comfortable with the idea of acting in front of the camera.
Namita Nayyar:
Besides being an actor and writer, you have also hosted shows and anchored IIFA awards. How was our experience? One of your favorite experiences with a co-celebrity?*
Sukhmani Sadana:
I love hosting shows. It is one of my favorite things to do in the world. For me, now anchoring a show is a cakewalk because I genuinely like talking and interacting with people. I don’t see it as a job anymore. Of course, there are moments when I get nervous or have butterflies in my stomach before I go on the stage, but once the show starts and I watch my audiences’ response, I am all set! Hosting IFFA was an experience in itself because I was standing next to legendary stars like Madhuri Ma’am and Rekha Ma’am. Another great experience was when I hosted an Italian brand show with Aditya Roy Kapur as a chief guest. I have shared the stage with Mr. Bachchan and Virat Kohli as well. Sometimes, you get tongue-tied when you are on stage with such legends, but it is always a memorable experience.
Namita Nayyar:
Women Fitness India talks about celebrity diets and workout regimes. Do you follow any special diet, you go to your favorite cuisine?
Sukhmani Sadana:
I travel a lot. So, I have no choice but to be particular about my fitness regime. I work out four to five days a week and try to do 10,000 steps a day. Also, I make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep because it is directly proportional to everything in your day. I try to stay away from sweets as much as possible. I try to consume more natural sweets like dates or jaggery. I make a conscious choice of choosing rice over the roti. I don’t believe in diets. I try to do intermittent fasting at least thrice a week. I try to give my body a break of 15 hours. It is difficult, but I try to do it.
Namita Nayyar:
What comprises your workout routine? how many days in a week do you train? Your favorite target areas?*
Sukhmani Sadana:
I like doing cardio, and it freshes my mind. I also enjoy walking. I could walk for an hour straight without realizing the time. When I hit the gym, I do 20 minutes on a treadmill and then do body weights. I like strengthening my core. So, I love doing planks. If you feel strong, then half the job is done. Feeling fit and strong is always going to be in trend. Physical strength is equivalent to mental health. So, it is important that you feel strong and grounded.
Namita Nayyar:
You have been part of Sacred Games, one of the most loved series on OTT. How was your experience, and how did you prep for the role?
Sukhmani Sadana:
It was an incredible experience! In a way, Sacred Games brought a boom in digital content in India. I am so proud to be a part of an iconic show like it. As an actor, it was a learning school for me because I got a chance to observe Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Saif Ali Khan on the sets. It would be hard for me to put it in words. For my prep, I read and re-read the book and the script to grasp my character. It allowed me to gain a perspective of Mikki. I sat with the makers and writers to understand their vision of my role.
Namita Nayyar:
You also have two upcoming web series. Tell us more about them. Do you feel that OTT is now the big thing?
Sukhmani Sadana:
Dil Bekaraar is already out now! I am so happy to receive so much love from the audience for the show. It is very close to my heart because I loved the book Those Pricey Thakur Girls. Next in line, I have Apharan. I will be able to share more details on the same soon. Yes, OTT is now the big thing. I am so proud of the audience who have allowed the space to become a crucial medium. It has given a platform to many voices. It is a great time to be a creator or an actor because we have an audience for every sort of content. Gone are the days when one could say the project was good, but it didn’t get eyeballs. Today, everyone can be heard and judged based on the quality of work.
Namita Nayyar:
You seem to have amazing hair and skin, self-care rituals that you swear by?
Sukhamani Sadana:
Thank you for the compliment. Because I travel a lot and don’t usually end up eating home-cooked food due to continuous shoots, my lifestyle is not that proper. So, I consciously make an effort towards my beauty regime. No matter what, I make sure to wash my face before going to bed and put on a heavy oil serum. It helps me keep my skin hydrated. In the morning, I wash my face. Post that, I apply toner, moisturizer, and sunblock. I am as regimented about it as I am about brushing. I am working towards increasing my water intake these days. Consistency in the skin routine is more important than what you are using. Eat well because it makes a lot of difference. What is inside your body will show outside on your skin. And the most important is to don’t stress and be happy. If you are happy, your skin will glow naturally.
Namita Nayyar:
Being in the industry, actors often face a lot of rejections and uncertainty. How do you cope up with that? Tips for our readers.
Sukhmani Sadana:
Believe in yourself and your ideas. The world is a funny place. You never know what about you can strike with another person, and you get your dream break. The idea is to keep moving, keep growing and keep hustling. Don’t give up on your passion. Your hard work, perseverance, and patience will fructify one day.
Namita Nayyar:
Lastly, 2022 is approaching. What are your plans and goals for the new year?
Sukhmani Sadana:
My plan and goal is to keep working! I have a series of exciting projects in the line right now. As I mentioned, I am gearing up for Apharan. I am very excited about 83, a Netflix film that I have written. It stars Diljit Dosanjh, and Ali Abbas Zafar has directed it. I am also looking forward to a short film, Manoranjan for Large Short Film, starring Gul Panag, that I have scripted. There is another show in the pipeline that I have wrapped already. I can not reveal much about it, but it will be a game-changer. I have also signed another show, but I will talk about it soon.
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