From navigating the bustling streets of Lucknow during live shoots to embracing the complexities of her character Chandni in Moonwalk, Nidhi Singh offers a glimpse into the world behind her screen persona and her love for the art, in an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer
Tejal Sinha
Nidhi Singh’s journey from Allahabad to becoming one of the most versatile talents in the entertainment industry is a captivating story of resilience and passion. With each role she takes on, Nidhi has not only proven her ability to adapt and grow but also her commitment to delivering authentic and powerful performances. In her latest project, Moonwalk, she steps into a character that challenges her like never before — one that is unpredictable, complex and thrilling. In this in-depth conversation with The Pioneer, the Apharan fame shares her experiences, the preparation behind her role and what it truly means to be a part of a project that pushes her to explore new dimensions as an actor.
Reflecting on her journey in the industry, Nidhi says, “I honestly feel it’s just begun. Every single project feels as new and exciting as the first time I faced the camera.” For her, the thrill of acting lies in the constant evolution and the opportunities to work with creative minds. “It’s really lovely when the people you’re collaborating with—be it the writers, directors, producers, co-actors, or crew—are aware of what you’ve done. But I still approach every project as a clean canvas.”
Despite her success, she remains grounded about the ups and downs of her career. “The journey is never all smooth; there are days when it gets frustrating. But you hold on, look ahead and keep moving. Being a part of this industry, which once seemed like a far-fetched dream for someone from Allahabad like me, feels surreal.”
Talking about her latest project Moonwalk, she shares how she was introduced to the script. “It was sheer luck. I had worked on a series, and through that, I was called in for a meeting. When they mentioned Moonwalk, I thought it might be something related to dance. I was thrilled initially, thinking I’d get to tap into my teenage love for dancing. But as I read the script, I realised it was a high-stakes comedy-drama, and I was hooked.”
While Nidhi assumed she’d be auditioning for the character of Asma, she was pleasantly surprised when director Ajay Singh insisted she was perfect for the role of Chandni. “When he said Chandni, I couldn’t believe it. I was sitting there in a casual T-shirt and pants, but he was convinced. It was thrilling and daunting because Chandni is unlike any character I’ve played before.”
She describes the character as a complex and layered character. “She’s manipulative, cryptic and thrillingly unpredictable. Playing such a character makes you question a lot about human nature. She’s not an outright villain, but her moral fabric is questionable. She’s defiant, doesn’t tolerate nonsense and does what she wants without second-guessing. It’s freeing and challenging to play someone so different from myself.”
Preparing for her role required the Mission Over Mars star to step out of her comfort zone. “Chandni is super disciplined, into yoga and presents herself perfectly at all times—qualities I don’t naturally embody. I had to physically and mentally align myself with her. Getting into the physicality of a character helps tap into their mindset. I trained rigorously, and somewhere along the way, I even started enjoying it!”
Since the character had no detailed backstory in the script, she crafted her own as an acting exercise. “While the audience won’t get much insight into why Chandni is the way she is, I needed something to anchor myself. I created a backstory to help me bring conviction to her actions.”
The shooting process for Moonwalk came with its own set of challenges. “We shot in live locations, often in the outskirts of Lucknow, with tight schedules. I remember shooting for 48 hours straight without sleep because of location constraints. It was exhausting but rewarding.” The Bahut Hua Samman actress credits director Ajay Singh for his clarity and support. “He had such a clear vision for every character. He wouldn’t handhold us, but whenever I struggled, he would step in with the perfect guidance. His brilliance as a storyteller was inspiring.”
With her passion for storytelling, commitment to every role, and a relentless drive to evolve, Nidhi Singh continues to charm audiences and push her artistic boundaries.
