By ASJAD NAZIR
RISING star Niti Taylor has shown off her natural acting ability on popular television serials and in the process become an icon for a dedicated and growing fan base. The baby-faced starlet recently rose up to play a demanding role in television serial, Ghulaam and is now looking forward to taking on more challenging roles.
With fans, producers and media tracking her every move, the talented actress wants to carry on doing what she loves. Eastern Eye caught up with Niti Taylor to talk about her time in the spotlight, future hopes, fan base and inspirations.
How do you see your time in the spotlight?
It has been a beautiful journey so far. And I am thankful to my fans for making me reach the spotlight and keeping me here. If it weren’t for them I would not have reached this position in my life. I want to carry on working hard for them and hopefully continue to repay their faith in me with good work.
How much has the dedicated support of fans helped you negotiate the rollercoaster of acting and being in the public eye?
They have helped so much and they give me so much strength. Today people know me because of them and it is thanks to them I am even talking to you, Asjad. The fans have made Niti Taylor and enabled her to reach this level in her life. I am so grateful that I have them in my life. Its like one big extended family. Without them I am nothing. Their faith in me has given me wings and enabled me to reach these heights.
Have you got used to having so many fans?
I think I have and am super proud to have them all in my life. They are all amazing and I would hug every single one of them if I could.
What had attracted you to Ghulaam?
It was predominantly the story line. A good story and role motivates you as a performer. I must say it was very different and difficult for me to do this character. I remember in my first meeting saying, “sir I don’t think I can pull this character off”. But I did and I am proud of it.
What was shooting the serial like?
It’s been a bumpy ride. The youth show is totally the genre I was most comfortable in and this was dramatically different. Doing Ghulaam has taught me that being an actor is actually not that easy. It’s taught me to be a mature individual and enabled me to grow as an actor. My Hindi has also surely improved with it. (Laughs) It’s also taught me that you will be in the news for good and bad reasons.
This serial really made me feel like a main lead and took up a lot of time. Even if I got a minute alone either I was dubbing or giving interviews.
Can you share a behind the scenes story?
During the lunch break my room was the den where everyone would come and eat. That’s the best time of the day. Everyone had their stories and their experiences, which they all shared over good food. That sharing actually teaches you how life is and shows how every individual has their stories and struggles and how they overcome it. I would get, all “oh wow” on hearing the stories. (Laughs) I love lunch breaks.
How do you keep up with the demanding schedules of television?
After a contract is signed for a serial, you have to forget about having a personal life. It’s all about managing your day and giving your best. We actors work for more than 14 hours a day. Around that we still have to manage to workout, meet friends and go out. Though we will be exhausted the next day and trying to catch up on sleep, we return to give our best. When you actually don’t even get a minute, it’s actually very hectic. But it’s your positive attitude that will keep you going.
How do you approach a scene as an actress and what is the secret of your naturalistic performances?
Youth show directors are the secret of my naturalistic performance. When I do a scene I always think if I was Niti how will I say this dialogue or what will be my expressions. That’s how I tackle each scene and emotion. For example when you talk to a friend you won’t always say, “Hi XYZ, how are you XYZ, what you doing XYZ?” In real life you will always say, “Hey what’s up, how are you, what are you doing?” You won’t mention the name in every sentence. But this happens a lot in serials. To be natural just think how you would deal with the situation and then just perform. But in serials you always have to be a little louder. With youth shows it is fine being natural, but in general you have to be a little loud and more expressive. You have to balance that with sense of realism.
Do the more emotional scenes ever affect you after you have done them?
Yes totally. I cry a lot. Then my eyes are red and swollen. (Laughs) Then everyone around me always ask are you okay, what happened to you. Also emotional scenes will take up a lot of energy and I get really exhausted doing them. The day I have emotional scenes I sleep early (laughs).
Do you have much free time and what are your big passions away from work?
Like I mentioned we get very little free time. I love watching movies, doing zumba, meeting my friends and dancing. When I am free I can also be the laziest person and will just sit in front of my laptop watching a series. I live alone in my free time and have to do a lot of household things.
If you could learn something new what would it be?
I am not someone who can just mug up the lines and then say them. I need to understand the lines before saying them. I even have a habit of rewriting them in my own handwriting and then learning them. But sometimes because the schedules are so packed I literally have to mug up my lines, which I am unable to do. I really want to learn that skill. It will actually help me. But the great thing about acting is that you learn something new with each project.
If you could ask any actress a question who would it be and what would you ask?
It has to be Priyanka Chopra for sure. She inspires me and I would like to ask her, how did you do it and how are you so strong?
What is your favourite movie of all time?
I just love watching movies, so can’t select just one. Ones I can never get bored of include Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dustin Checks In, The Sound Of Music and Monkey Trouble. They all have repeat value and I can watch them again and again.
Which leading man would you love to be romanced by on screen?
(Thinks) It would have to be Shahid Kapoor because I really adore him and think he is very talented.
What qualities does a guy need to impress you?
Someone with a good soul and great personality would impress me the most.
What are the best and worst things about being Niti Taylor?
The best thing about being Niti Taylor is that she makes everyone smile around her. She makes everyone happy and she’s this crazy girl who does crazy things. The worst thing is that I feel bad for every small thing. I am very fragile and I hate that about me. Even if the person doesn’t mean anything to me I still sulk and feel so terrible. I need to stand up for myself more. I really need to do that.
What is your favourite fashion accessory?
It would have to be my choker.
What kind of music dominates your playlist?
(Laughs) Bollywood wins hands down. And Justin Bieber.
You have a lot of young fans. What advice would you give those going through a tough time?
The tough times won’t last forever and will ultimately make you stronger. That will always be a positive around the corner. Also remain close to your family because at the end of the day they will be there for you.
What keeps you motivated through hard times?
My mother is my biggest support and strength.
Who do you call when you are feeling down?
That would have to be my best friend Renee Malik.
What most inspires you today?
I see a lot of women standing up for themselves and fighting against bad things. There are so many who are beating the odds and triumphing. I want to know how they do it. It’s so inspiring.
Why do you love acting?
I love acting because it makes me happy. I love working for 12/13 hours a day. It just makes me happy. I do some crazy scenes sometimes, but that unpredictability is what makes this profession so great.
