
Harleen Kaur Rekhi: I want to die as an actor, breathing my last on stage or screen
Having spent 14 years in the industry since she began in 2011, Harleen has performed in more than 70 plays and continues to inspire with her grounded outlook.
'Yes, popularity and money are tempting,' she acknowledges, 'but my parents taught me to stay humble. My mother often reminds me of the Punjabi saying, 'nivya nuhi phal lag den hai' — the tree that bows low bears fruit. That's what I live by.'
The path, however, hasn't been without its trials.
'The biggest challenge is when people doubt your talent. But instead of letting it break me, I let it fuel me. I give my 200,000%. I don't want to prove anything to others — only to myself.'
Harleen dreams of working under director
Sanjay Leela Bhansali
. 'His work is visually stunning, deeply rooted in Indian culture, and rich in detail. Being directed by him would be an honor.' She also hopes to share the screen with
Shahrukh Khan
and
Aamir Khan
. 'Shahrukh sir's humility and attention to detail is legendary.
Even today, he calls directors 'sir' and asks if he should do another take. That inspires me.'
Despite the uncertainties of the industry, Harleen's passion has never wavered. 'I've never thought of quitting. Acting is my janoon, my pagalpan. No one in my family is from this field, but I always knew I belonged here.'
As for her dream role? 'I don't believe in one ultimate role. I want to be a versatile performer. Someone who can do anything — series, films, short films — and never be typecast.'
With over a decade of experience, unrelenting passion, and an unshakable belief in her purpose, Harleen Kaur Rekhi continues to carve her own path — one powerful performance at a time.
#TellyBlazer: Patiala Babes' fame Ashnoor Kaur reacts to romancing on-screen: I want to play my age
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
8 minutes ago
- Time of India
Shocked by Uorfi Javed's lip filler removal? Here are 5 times celebrity cosmetic surgeries went horribly wrong
Uorfi Javed is back in the spotlight, not for her daring fashion this time, but for opting to reverse her lip filler treatment. The surprising change has taken fans by surprise and set social media abuzz. Her transformation has reignited discussions around the risks and realities of cosmetic enhancements. Over the years, many celebrities have experienced procedures that didn't go as expected, leading to regret and public attention. Here are 5 celebrity cosmetic surgery fails that left everyone shocked. 5 times celebrity cosmetic surgeries went horribly wrong Koena Mitra Koena Mitra, who was once a rising star in Bollywood, underwent rhinoplasty (a nose job) in 2010 in hopes of enhancing her appearance. However, the surgery didn't go as expected and led to complications, including bone swelling that drastically changed her facial features. The transformation drew immediate attention, sparking criticism from both the media and the public. Rakhi Sawant Rakhi Sawant, known for her bold and often controversial presence in the Indian entertainment world, has always been open about her personal life especially when it comes to cosmetic enhancements. She has publicly acknowledged undergoing multiple procedures over the years to improve her looks, including breast augmentation, liposuction, and a nose job (rhinoplasty). Ayesha Takia Ayesha Takia, who gained fame for her natural beauty and relatable roles in Bollywood hits like Wanted and Dor, has recently sparked considerable buzz over her drastically changed appearance. Observers, including fans and media outlets, have noted striking differences in her facial features especially her plumper lips, more defined cheeks, and unusually smooth skin. These changes have led to widespread speculation that she may have opted for cosmetic enhancements like lip fillers, cheek augmentation, and Botox. Khushi Kapoor In a conversation with The Times of India, Khushi Kapoor openly responded to the ongoing buzz about her appearance, admitting that she has undergone some cosmetic enhancements. While she acknowledged making a few changes to her looks, she was also clear that the extent has been blown out of proportion. 'Yes, I have changed my looks. But everyone thinks I have done some 10-20 things on myself. It is obviously not the case,' she explained, pointing out that the rumors surrounding her transformation have been largely exaggerated. Anushka Sharma Anushka Sharma faced widespread public attention and criticism when viewers noticed her visibly fuller lips during an appearance on Koffee With Karan. This sparked rumors that she had undergone plastic surgery, with many assuming she had made a permanent change to her appearance. However, the actress later set the record straight, revealing that the altered look was actually the result of using a temporary lip enhancement tool for her role in the 2015 film Bombay Velvet, where she played a 1960s jazz singer.
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
8 minutes ago
- First Post
‘My heart was shattered and I was on verge of tears': Harbhajan Singh reveals heartbreaking words from Sreesanth's daughter on IPL slapgate
Harbhajan Singh opened up on the infamous IPL 2008 slapgate with Sreesanth, revealing an emotional moment with Sreesanth's daughter that left him shattered. Speaking on Ashwin's YouTube show, he also addressed rumours of being jealous of Ashwin during the latter part of his career. read more Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has once again opened up about the infamous IPL 2008 slapgate incident with Sreesanth. Speaking on Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube show Kutti Stories with Ash, Harbhajan said if there's one thing he could change in his life, it would be that moment. The IPL 2008 slapping incident remains one of the most controversial moments in Indian cricket. Harbhajan, who was captaining Mumbai Indians in the absence of regular skipper Sachin Tendulkar, had a heated altercation with Punjab Kings (formerly King XI Punjab) pacer Sreesanth and ended up slapping him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read: Hashim Amla snubs Sachin Tendulkar as he names 3 best batters of all time, only one Indian included Harbhajan on slapping Sreesanth and his daughter's reaction When asked about this infamous scandal during the talk show with , Harbhajan said that it remains his biggest mistake to date and also shared an emotional story involving Sreesanth's daughter. Harbhajan was banned for the remainder of the IPL season due to the controversy. 'One thing I'd want to change in my life is that incident with Sreesanth. It was wrong, and I shouldn't have done it. I have apologised hundreds of times. Even years after it, I keep saying sorry whenever I get a chance. It was a mistake,' Harbhajan said. 'I met his daughter and spoke to her with love, but she said, 'I don't want to talk to you. You hit my father.' My heart was shattered, and I was on the verge of tears. I kept thinking what impression I left on her. She must see me only as the person who hit her father. I still feel bad about it and apologise to her,' Harbhajan added. Also Read: Harbhajan on being jealous of Ashwin Harbhajan also addressed rumours about him being jealous of Ashwin, who had emerged as India's next big spinner during the latter stages of his career. When Ashwin debuted in 2011, Harbhajan was already an established senior bowler, but Ashwin soon became India's leading spinner. 'This whole jealousy bit, before I allow you to answer that, let me clarify something. People look at everything from their perspective. For example, if they are passing a comment on me, they believe that others would see the world through their eyes," Ashwin said. 'Their comments that you (Harbhajan) are jealous of this person who is interviewing you today (Ashwin), what would that be about, Bhajji pa?' Ashwin asked further. Harbhajan Singh: Unfiltered An epic conversation on #KuttiStoriesWithAsh, powered by @PeterEngland_, is out. All your questions and doubts, cleared. Fasten your seat belts! — Kutti Stories with Ash (@crikipidea) July 20, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Harbhajan replied, 'Do you think I am jealous of you? We are sitting here today and talking openly. I am not that kind of person. I would never be jealous of my own teammates.' 'Even if you were jealous at one point in time, I think it's justified. That is my point, and I will never take it wrong because we are all human. Naturally, it is bound to be like that. Some people believe I retired because Washington Sundar has come. All of this is the perspective of others,' Ashwin said.


Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
Smurfs Movie Features Punjabi Music: Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, and More
Indian music has long captivated the Western world, but it was still a delightful surprise when Ed Sheeran's Sapphire seamlessly wove in Punjabi flavours, blending cultures effortlessly. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Similarly, the newly released Smurfs movie caught audiences off guard when the tiny blue characters grooved to desi rhythms in Higher Love. Indian singer-songwriter duo Natania and Subhi, who feature in the track, witnessed the magical moment at the film's Los Angeles premiere. Speaking to us from the US, they shared, 'It was a wild experience to see the Punjabi part of the song being played in an American theatre, and that too in an animated film like Smurfs.' The artistes collaborated with DJ Khaled and Cardi B for the track. Subhi added, 'We didn't know the placement of the song in the film when we recorded it. It comes at a time when the whole mood is celebratory. People were vibing to the Punjabi section of the song, especially seeing Smurfs dancing to it. Never imagined we'd see Smurfs dancing to Punjabi beats and lyrics. The audience didn't understand the words —they even asked me for the meaning — but they were vibing to the music. That's why we say music is universal. ' Among the star-studded premiere guests was Rihanna, who voices Smurfette in the film. 'Rihanna was vibing to Punjabi music like everyone else. She just loved the music,' said Natania.