Niharika Chouksey on her acting journey 'I started working when I was 13'

Young and talented actress Niharika Chouksey, who plays Anu in the television show Tumm Se Tumm Tak, is winning hearts with her performance. Produced by Prateek Sharma and Parth Shah’s Studio LSD, the show has been receiving appreciation for its emotional depth and the understated chemistry between its lead characters, Anu and Arya.

Speaking about her on-screen journey, Niharika shares that her bond with co-actor Sharad Kelkar was special right from the first day. “From day one, the bond between Sharad sir and me has been amazing. We are both from Madhya Pradesh, so there’s an instant connection. He is extremely nice and supportive,” she says, adding that working with an experienced actor like him never felt intimidating. “I don’t feel pressure because I’ve been working since I was 13. For me, the only pressure is to give my 100 per cent.”

The actress credits their teamwork for bringing authenticity to their characters. “Together, Sharad sir and I have created Anu and Arya. He’s very cooperative, and people are loving our chemistry. Viewers especially like how Anu and Arya express love through their eyes rather than words,” she explains.

Initially, when I started in this industry, I did one-day and two-day roles and slowly learned. I never said no to work, and touchwood, I always met the right people at the right time

- Niharika Chouksey

From Kashmir Shoots to Career Struggles: A Journey Built on Persistence

Recently, the proposal track was shot in Kashmir, a place close to Niharika’s heart. “Kashmir is one of my favourite destinations. I’ve visited it many times with my family, but shooting here is a completely different experience,” she reveals.

Describing the challenges, she adds, “Our legs and palms literally froze. We were shooting a proposal scene three mountains up, and because of costume changes, I had to keep going back and forth. It was tough but memorable.” Reflecting on her journey in the industry, Niharika admits that the glamour often hides the real struggles. “When I started, I realised that behind the glitz and glam, there’s so much hard work. I had no industry connections, but my parents were very supportive. Surviving in a city like Mumbai, where you’re constantly learning, is not easy,” she says, acknowledging that luck also played its part.

She recalls how auditions evolved post-pandemic. “Before COVID, we used to give auditions physically in Aram Nagar. After COVID, everything became digital. Initially, when I started in this industry, I did one-day and two-day roles and slowly learned. I never said no to work, and touchwood, I always met the right people at the right time.”

Interestingly, Niharika didn’t audition for Tumm Se Tumm Tak. “My producer saw me in my earlier Star Plus show Faltu, and approached me directly,” she shares.

When asked about reality shows like Bigg Boss, the actress keeps her options open. “I always go with my gut feeling. If I’m offered Bigg Boss, I’ll think about it then. For now, my only focus is Tumm Se Tumm Tak.”

As for Bollywood dreams, Niharika isn’t afraid to aim high. “I would love to work with Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and many others. I feel one should dream big—only then can you fulfil those dreams,” she says with confidence.