Nimrat Kaur recalls facing financial hardship before 'The Lunchbox': 'I would get worried where my next pay cheque would come from'

Time of India

01-06-2025

Nimrat Kaur
recently shared her journey and past financial struggles She spoke openly about the anxieties of an uncertain income and the emotional toll of not knowing when her next paycheck would arrive.
Nimrat also admitted that she is not a "thick-skinned" actor and often finds herself affected by public judgment.
The unending nature of struggle
During her appearance on SCREEN's Dear Me Season 2, Nimrat spoke about the ongoing nature of struggles in an actor's life. She recalled her early days in Mumbai, marked by uncertainty about whether she would succeed or even manage to earn a living through acting. The fear of not knowing if her dreams would take shape was a constant challenge in the beginning of her journey.
The actress further shared that while she quickly secured music videos and numerous ad films, and performed in theater for 4-5 years, it was The Lunchbox that eventually became a turning point. She acknowledged that different phases of her life presented different struggles, emphasizing the continuous nature of challenges in her profession.
Navigating financial precarity and self-doubt
She also reflected on a difficult phase in her life when she was financially unstable and plagued with self-doubt.
She questioned her abilities, whether audiences appreciated her work, and even considered returning home. This period of deep uncertainty, she shared, came just before her breakthrough with The Lunchbox, a time when her future in the industry felt especially unclear.
During her theatre days, Nimrat faced a severe financial crunch that left her deeply anxious. With her bank balance running dangerously low, she struggled to see where the next source of income would come from.
The fear of failure and the thought of returning home under such circumstances felt humiliating. Despite feeling sad, lonely, and overwhelmed at times, she drew strength from within. Through it all, an inner voice kept encouraging her to hold on and not give up.
Choosing battles: vulnerability and public scrutiny
When asked about being strong-headed, the actress explained that although she doesn't openly show her struggles, it doesn't mean she hasn't faced difficult times.
She emphasized that sharing one's vulnerability is a privilege and not something everyone should or can access.
Nimrat acknowledged that her profession naturally puts her in the public eye, often exposing her in ways she'd rather avoid. She described her careful, measured responses as a 'self-defense mechanism,' especially in today's internet age where words can be twisted or misinterpreted easily. While she accepts that audiences have every right to express opinions about her work, she admits that personal judgments do affect her deeply.
Far from being thick-skinned, Nimrat confessed she is quite sensitive—a trait rooted in her childhood. Over time, she has learned to pick her battles wisely, choosing not to engage with things beyond her control.
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