1. How would you describe your journey from academia to acting and influencing?
I started my Instagram page, @little_life_of_pallavi, in August 2024 as a space to document my everyday life. What began as a creative outlet soon became a way to unwind and connect with my audience. I found joy in creating content, sharing snippets of my life, and engaging with my followers.
In October 2024, I stepped into acting, and it was an entirely different yet exhilarating experience. Acting allows me to step into various characters, explore different locations, get into elaborate costumes, and finally, see my work come to life on digital platforms.
Interestingly, my teaching background made the transition smoother. Being an educator requires strong communication skills, expressiveness, and adaptability—all of which are invaluable in acting. Teaching exposes me to students from diverse backgrounds, enriching my understanding of cultures, dialects, and perspectives. This, in turn, has made me more versatile and empathetic, qualities that also benefit my journey in acting and influencing.
2. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Delhi, how do you make learning more engaging for students?
Teaching is a continuous learning process for me. Every time my students ask questions, I gain a deeper understanding of the subject myself. I believe an enthusiastic educator is one who never stops learning.
For me, making learning engaging means ensuring that students feel comfortable, understood, and encouraged to think critically. I focus on being well-read, trained, and aware of the topics I teach so that I can provide diverse perspectives. I incorporate multiple references, build relatable examples, and use a multi-dimensional approach to teaching.
Additionally, I bring in contemporary anecdotes and real-world scenarios to make concepts more tangible and relevant. Ultimately, I believe a teacher’s role is not just to deliver knowledge but to inspire curiosity and foster an environment where students feel encouraged to explore ideas freely.
3. What inspired you to explore acting alongside academia?
It felt like a natural progression. As a teacher, I’m always performing in a way—modulating my voice, engaging students, and making lessons more compelling. This has made me expressive and comfortable in front of an audience, which translates well into acting.
My teaching career has instilled confidence, observational skills, and a deep understanding of emotions, all of which are essential for acting. I see acting as an extension of my ability to communicate and connect with people, just in a different medium.
4. How do you balance your roles as an educator, actor, and influencer?
Acting and content creation are part-time pursuits for me—they are ways to unwind rather than full-time commitments. I engage in them when I feel like taking a break or doing something creative.
Even on shoot locations, I often find myself studying or working, as I enjoy the change in environment and the new perspectives acting brings. Rather than seeing them as competing roles, I view them as different facets of my personality that complement one another.
5. What is one misconception people have about being a professor?
I haven't encountered major misconceptions, but one thing I’d highlight is that teaching is not just about delivering lectures—it’s about constantly learning, evolving, and being available for students.
Professors are often seen as authority figures, but at the core, we are lifelong students ourselves. The responsibility of shaping young minds is significant, and I strive to be as proficient and approachable as possible.
6. One key lesson you have learned from education, media, and content creation?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there is always room for improvement. No matter the field—teaching, acting, or content creation—you grow by doing.
Every class I teach, every scene I perform, and every piece of content I create adds to my learning. Life itself is a teacher, and embracing new experiences helps me become a better educator, performer, and person.
7. If you could teach any subject outside your expertise, what would it be?
I’ve developed a deep fascination for physics, even though I haven't studied it beyond the 10th grade. There's something intriguing about understanding the universe at a fundamental level.
Beyond that, I’d love to engage in meaningful research and contribute to policy discussions. Academia has given me a strong foundation, and I hope to explore new intellectual territories in the future.
Bio:
Pallavi Manchanda is an Assistant Professor at the University of Delhi, an actor, English newsreader, and influencer. Passionate about both academia and creative expression, she seamlessly balances her roles as an educator and performer.
Pallavi began her digital journey in August 2024 with her Instagram page, @little_life_of_pallavi, where she shares glimpses of her everyday life. Her foray into acting started in October 2024, and she quickly embraced the art of storytelling on screen. As a professor, she brings an engaging, multi-dimensional approach to teaching, incorporating contemporary insights and fostering curiosity among her students.
Her background in education has made her a confident communicator, which translates into her work as an actor and newsreader. Whether in a classroom, in front of the camera, or delivering news, Pallavi’s ability to connect with her audience remains at the heart of everything she does.
Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
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