Rising star Palak Tiwari has eventually charmed the audience with her latest horror-comedy The Bhootni. In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, the young actor opens up about sharing screen space with stalwarts like Sanjay Dutt and Mouni Roy, navigating the weight of legacy and how her mother, Shweta Tiwari, continues to shape her artistic journey
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
With a last name that comes with its own set of expectations, Palak Tiwari is swiftly carving her own unique space in the entertainment industry. From breaking out with chart-topping music video of Bijlee Bijlee to stepping into the world of horror-comedy, Palak’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Known for her grounded yet charismatic screen presence, she’s now seen challenging herself with her latest role in The Bhootni, where she blends emotions with comedy and chills. The Pioneer caught up with the rising star to talk about her role in the film, the evolution of her acting career and the pressure of living up to her family’s legacy.
When asked about her excitement for the film, Palak’s enthusiasm is palpable. As sweet as she’s always been, she begins the chat: “There is no other feeling when you’re proud of the work you’ve done. The anticipation was just… oh my God, it’s thrilling!” She goes on to explain how her director, Siddhant Kumar Sachdev, played a pivotal role in her involvement. “What truly drew me to the script was his belief and passion for it. It gave me so much motivation to give my best.”
Palak plays a character who is young and deeply in one-sided love, a role that feels deeply relatable to her. “We’ve all been there, right?” she laughs. “It really spoke to me.” As the film blends horror and comedy, Palak describes her character as the emotional anchor in a film that’s full of humour and suspense. “I think my character is the only one that’s not intended to be funny. She’s placed in really bizarre situations and that’s where the humor comes from. It’s also very rooted in romance, which I appreciate.”
Striking the right balance between horror and comedy is never easy, but Palak found the process to be refreshingly spontaneous. “Comedy is all about spontaneity. You can’t try too hard. We just had to lay back and enjoy the situation. We were lucky to have such a fun crew, which made everything come together so beautifully.”
Her chemistry with her co-stars, including the legendary Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy and Sunny Singh, shines through when she describes the experience of being on set. “It was a phenomenal experience. Working with Sanjay Sir was a joy. He is a true legend of our cinema, and sharing a screen with him was a dream come true.” She also praises Sunny Singh’s comedic timing, calling him a “comedic genius.” “His timing is impeccable. It was such a treat working with him.”
When it comes to Mouni Roy, Palak is full of admiration. “Mouni has been a powerhouse of talent. As an actress, she holds such powerful characters, especially the ones she’s played recently. It’s inspiring to work with someone so experienced and powerful.”
While Palak has previously played grounded characters, The Bhootni marks a significant shift in her career. “It’s a totally different genre, but I didn’t feel like I was stepping out of my comfort zone. The set was easygoing and I think that helped me detach from any inhibitions. It’s so important as an actor to let go and I was able to do that here.”
The Bhootni offers a fresh perspective on the horror-comedy genre. Palak believes that what sets this film apart is its younger take on things. “The setting is in a college and the jokes are situational, very much geared toward a young audience. It’s a fresh take on the genre, and I think people will enjoy it.” She also credits the film’s music for adding to its charm. “The music is fabulous and it adds so much to the overall experience.”
When it comes to building the world of the film, Palak mentions that, for her, it wasn’t as difficult as it might seem. “We didn’t have to rely too much on imagination. Mouni is such a phenomenal actor that her presence would shift the atmosphere completely. You didn’t need anything extra to feel that tension or humour in the air,” she says with appreciation for her co-star.
Coming from a family with a strong presence in the entertainment industry, Palak shares that her mother, Shweta Tiwari, has had a significant influence on her approach to acting. “What really shaped my approach was watching my mom. Despite being so successful, she would always come home and be just like any other mom, not letting her public persona affect her personal life. It taught me the importance of detaching from fame and focusing on your craft.”
Palak’s journey in the industry has been one step at a time, starting with a music video and gradually evolving into more substantial roles. Reflecting on her growth, she says, “I’ve taken it step by step. First, I started with a snippet in a music video, then a small role in a film and now I’m part of a full-fledged movie. With each project, I challenge myself more and more.”
As the daughter of the beloved Shweta Tiwari, Palak admits that there is some pressure, but she sees it as a motivating factor. “I think it fuels my ambition. I want to make myself proud and, of course, make my family proud. The pressure I feel is more for myself. I want to look back and know that I did my best.”
Palak also touches on the constant labeling of star kids in the industry. “Yes, I am a star kid and I’m proud of it. My mom worked hard to get where she is, and I want to carry that legacy forward. One day, I hope to add to that legacy.”
As an actress, Palak has also had to learn to let go of the pressure to look perfect, something many actors, especially women, face. “Doing a horror-comedy helped me detach from the need to look perfect. It made me realize that the script is what matters most. If I look scary in a scene where I’m meant to, that’s the most beautiful I can look in that moment.”
Looking to the future, Palak is eager to take on a wide range of roles. “I’m really keen to work in any genre. As an actor, the most fulfilling feeling is knowing that I contributed to a story that needed to be told,” she says. She is already working on some exciting projects that will be released soon and she’s looking forward to making her mark in the industry. “I hope to make everyone proud with my work. There are projects I’m really excited for, and I can’t wait for the world to see them.”
