"Treat Yourself as God’s Beautiful Creation" - Garima Goel (Television Actress)

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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Born and brought up in Old Delhi, I was always outgoing and loved acting. But coming from a Baniya family, acting didn’t seem like an option to my parents. I studied mass comm instead at Delhi university, topped with a Gold Medal and then came to Mumbai to pursue journalism. 

I became an anchor, worked on TV for almost 4 years, then switched to a corporate job in Viacom 18 and finally quit after 2 years to become an actor. After a few years, I realized that as an actor, I was expressing someone else’s emotions, I was working on Director’s action, and working for those years in media kind of gave me this voice which even I could not suppress.

So, I started my Youtube channel Garima’s Good Life as I wanted to share my voice, my experiences, my struggles with people hoping that I could inspire them and even motivate them to follow their dreams. My journey till now as an actor and social media influencer has been very very fulfilling.

2. Did you ever think or dream of being an actor?

Being a big diehard fan of Madhuri Dixit, I always wanted to be in front of the camera and harboured this dream till I decided to quit my high paying corporate job and venture into acting full time. I decided to follow heart which told me it’s one life- jo karna hai yahin karna hai, koi malaal(remorse) na reh jaaye.

3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?

Believe in yourself, your looks, your personality, your capabilities. Don’t compare yourself to others. Treat yourself as God’s beautiful creation. Remember 3 P’s- Patience, Practice and Perseverance. Keep working hard, keep evolving your skills as an actor. 

Don’t get sucked into the dark side of the glamour world. Mentally you have to be very strong to be a part of this industry. Follow your own path. Don’t compare your journey to someone else. 

BE AT IT.

4. If not this, what would you be doing? 

Haha, I was doing all the other things before becoming an actor, so I don't think anything else is an option now.

5. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give? 

Acting is a very tricky profession to be in. It takes a lot more guts and patience to be part of this profession as the probability of rejection is quite high. If you make up your mind to be an actor, learn the craft before entering the industry, train yourself in acting. You might or might not just crack the very first audition you give. Be prepared to face rejections.

Embrace yourself as a person and a personality. Do not try to ape someone. Create your own space and make your own niche. Keep a backup option, complete your education, just in case this profession doesn’t work out for you. Always join this industry with your family’s blessings. Trust me, you will need their support at a lot of points in your journey.

6. What is your mantra of success?

My mantra- TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE which lets me always look ahead and move on in life.

7. Which is your favourite book, and why?

My favourite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Since the day I read this book, it taught me a lot of life lessons about the power of the universe. No matter what you do, make sure that you do it because it is what your heart and soul desire. One might fail, but you should never give up in the process. Appreciate your journey because your journey always leads you to your destiny.

Interview by - Sonam