Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Sahil Balani: Flying on the wings of dreams

 Eastern Eye caught up with the hardworking actor to discuss the new show and the character he plays.

Sahil Balani: Flying on the wings of dreams

ACTING in stage plays during his childhood days first connected Sahil Balani to acting.

 Being in front of an audience during school plays ignited a spark inside him, along with generating a curiosity about creating new characters through costumes, make-up and human emotions. This early motivation drove the naturally gifted performer towards pursuing a professional career as an actor.  


The Indian talent has added to his body of work by joining the cast of drama serial Udne Ki Aasha, which has been delighting audiences since it premiered on Star Plus last month. 

 Eastern Eye caught up with the hardworking actor to discuss the new show and the character he plays. The small screen star also revealed his acting heroes, inspirations and what he enjoys watching as an audience.  

How did you feel about landing a role in Udne Ki Aasha? 

 It feels amazing. Very few people in life get to do what they really want to. So, getting to work and a chance to pursue that makes me feel out of this world. 

 I came to Mumbai with the hope of becoming an actor, so now being a part of such a big show for such a great channel, with a talented team, and even giving this interview is like a dream come true. I feel that it’s a step towards my road to success. 

 I really want to thank the team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to be a part of our show. 

 Tell us about your character.

I play Dilip, who is Sailee’s younger brother.  

My character is full of ups and downs. With the wrong influences, he faces a rollercoaster of situations in life and causes his family to suffer, even though he is kind hearted and has no evil desire. But wrong choices lead him towards traumatic situations in life.  

You’ll get to see many different shades of Dilip, from his adolescence to hating him. He doesn’t hate everyone in his family, but is not willing to accept the poverty they are living happily in.  

Who are you hoping this show connects with?  

I hope it connects with everyone in society, of all ages, as every character portrayed in the serial is relatable in some way. 

 It’s not just a simple family drama, but about the specific dreams of every individual. This includes dreams of success, family, love, and everything a normal human being in society wants in their life. That simplicity of the story and relatability of characters will help everyone to connect more easily to the show.  

How do you approach a new character?  

Firstly, I look for common grounds between me and the character, which helps me to connect with the role. I believe anyone can portray any character as its already within them.  

We just need to find the connections and common ground with the character. This enables me to feel and think like the character. After that I just keep motivating myself to perform according to the character no matter what and just go with the flow. 

Lead inset Sahil Balani in Udne Ki Aasha 535 1

 Do you feel pressure being part of a high profile show?  

If you are doing something you love, it’s never pressure. It’s a smooth ride of fun, experiences and knowledge. 

 I personally enjoy every moment of being on set and give my best shot at every opportunity I get while performing.  

I believe if you focus on doing your best, you’ll never be under pressure. Thankfully, we have a wonderful director in Dharmesh sir, and a great creative team. They make me feel more confident and ensure I do my best. 

 What do you like watching as an audience? 

 I like watching rom-coms, thrillers, suspense, action and documentaries. 

 I enjoy a mixture of movies and web serials. Some films I have loved include Bang Bang, Rocketry, Animal, Barfi and Tamasha. 

 Who is your own acting hero?  

I generally don’t have favourites, but I adore Ranbir Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan a lot. I guess I’ll have a fan moment for sure, when I meet them in future. 

 What inspires you as an actor?  

The craft, stage, camera and everything about acting inspires me. I don’t really know what I would do if I weren’t an actor. If I was doing anything else, I perhaps wouldn’t be able to do it so heartedly. Challenging myself to be someone else daily, living the particular moment as the character, working on my craft, working on myself and always learning new things inspires me a lot. 

 Why should we all tune into Udne Ki Aasha?  

The title only defines it. Udne Ki Aasha – the desire to fly. It’s not a regular family drama, it’s about dreams that give meaning to one’s life. Chasing those goals by doing the right thing. Getting to know the difference between right and wrong, and the consequences of both. 

 It’s a relatable story about a family, hopes and dreams. 

More For You

Sydney Sweeney

Filming is tentatively planned for early 2026

Getty Images

Sydney Sweeney offered £45m to star in big-budget Bollywood film

Highlights:

  • Sydney Sweeney reportedly offered £45m for a leading role in a major Bollywood film
  • The package includes £35m in fees and £10M in sponsorship deals
  • Filming is tentatively planned for early 2026 across New York, Paris, London, and Dubai
  • The project could make Sweeney one of the highest-paid Hollywood stars to join Indian cinema

A record-breaking offer

Hollywood actor Sydney Sweeney has reportedly been approached with a staggering £45M deal to star in one of the most expensive Bollywood films ever produced.

The 28-year-old Euphoria and The White Lotus star is said to have been offered £35m in fees plus an additional £10m through sponsorship agreements.

Keep ReadingShow less
Eurovision 2026

Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement

Instagram/eurovision

Eurovision in turmoil as Spain Ireland and Netherlands threaten withdrawal over Gaza conflict

Highlights:

  • Spain leads a growing boycott movement, with Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia also refusing to participate if Israel competes.
  • The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is in crisis talks, extending its decision deadline to December 2025.
  • The situation draws direct comparisons to Russia’s exclusion in 2022, creating a precedent the EBU must now navigate.
  • The core dilemma pits Eurovision’s non-political ideals against the stark reality of a humanitarian crisis.

The Eurovision Song Contest, that glitter-drenched annual spectacle of pop and unity, is staring into the abyss. The escalating call for a Eurovision boycott over Israel's participation, against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict, has put the organisers into their most severe political crisis yet. This isn't just about another song entry but a fundamental clash between the contest's cherished apolitical fantasy and the inescapable geopolitics of the real world, threatening to tear the competition apart from within.

Eurovision 2026 Spain announces withdrawal from Eurovision over Israel participation amid growing boycott movement Instagram/eurovision

Keep ReadingShow less
Unni Mukundan and Narendra Modi

Malayalam star Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in ‘Maa Vande’ tracing PM’s roots and mother’s legacy

Instagram/iamunnimukundan

Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in biopic, ‘Maa Vande’, about the leader's bond with late mother

Highlights:

  • Malayalam star Unni Mukundan announced as lead in Narendra Modi biopic titled Maa Vande.
  • The film will focus on the Prime Minister's early life and bond with his mother.
  • A pan-India release is planned for 2026 with a major technical crew attached.
  • Mukundan is currently riding high on the success of his brutal action film Marco.

Malayalam cinema actor Unni Mukundan is stepping into the biggest role of his career. He has been officially cast as Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming biographical film Maa Vande. The project, announced on the PM's 75th birthday, promises a fresh look at Modi's formative years. Instead of another political portrait, the filmmakers are zeroing in on his personal journey and the profound influence of his mother.

Unni Mukundan and Narendra Modi Malayalam star Unni Mukundan to play Narendra Modi in ‘Maa Vande’ tracing PM’s roots and mother’s legacy Instagram/iamunnimukundan

Keep ReadingShow less
Malaika Arora

Malaika Arora reveals judgement made her stronger and shaped her boldness

Getty Images

Malaika Arora turns lifelong criticism into strength saying being called "too bold" is now the crown she proudly wears​

Highlights:

  • The star revealed she was constantly judged for her career and clothing choices.
  • Malaika said she felt free when she stopped explaining herself to others.
  • She now sees confidence as moving forward with grace despite self-doubt.
  • The actor and model insists the only narrative that matters is her own.

Malaika Arora has defiantly addressed the lifetime of criticism she has faced for her personal and professional choices. The actor and model, known for her impeccable fitness and fashion sense, said being labelled “too bold” is something she now wears as a crown. In a new interview, she opened up about her journey to unshakeable self-acceptance and shutting out the noise.

Malaika Arora reveals judgement made her stronger and shaped her boldness Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Paul Rudd and Jack Black

Paul Rudd and Jack Black gear up for jungle chaos in the new Anaconda

People/Courtesy of Sony Pictures

'Anaconda' first photos show Jack Black and Paul Rudd battling comedy and chaos in jungle reboot

Highlights:

  • First look images reveal the meta comedy take on the 1997 creature feature.
  • The film sees the duo as fans trying to shoot their own version of the original film.
  • Director Tom Gormican applies his The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent formula.
  • The cast, including Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn, promises chaotic fun.
  • It is slated for a Christmas Day release, aiming for a box office strike.

The first photos from the wildly unexpected Anaconda remake have finally surfaced. This is not your typical Hollywood rehash, mind you. Jack Black and Paul Rudd are leading a brilliantly meta charge, playing superfans whose dream project goes horrifyingly wrong. The new images tease the comedic chaos planned for the big screen this Christmas.

Paul Rudd and Jack Black gear up for jungle chaos in the new Anaconda People/Courtesy of Sony Pictures

Keep ReadingShow less