In a candid conversation with Monika Chauhan, the emerging actress talks about her inspiring journey, the transition to films, and her aspirations as she steps into the Tollywood spotlight.
Q: Tell us about your upbringing and how it influenced your career path.
I was born on August 13, 1995, in Delhi, into a Punjabi Rajput family. My father, Late Shri Ish Kumar Chauhan, and my mother, Kiran Chauhan, have always been my greatest sources of strength and inspiration. I grew up in an environment where discipline, resilience, and hard work were deeply valued.
Although my roots are in Rajpura, Punjab, my experiences in Delhi shaped my personality and ambition. My mother tongue is Punjabi, and staying connected to my culture has always kept me grounded. Winning the title of Miss Delhi NCR in 2018 was a life-changing moment. It gave me the confidence to step into the entertainment world, with my family’s encouragement fueling my journey.
Q: What motivated you to transition from modeling to acting?
Modeling was my first step into the industry, and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of numerous assignments, music videos, and short films. However, acting was my ultimate dream. It felt like the perfect medium to explore creativity and connect emotionally with audiences.
The transition wasn’t as simple as it might seem. Acting demands a completely different set of skills, but my passion for storytelling and my determination to improve made it possible. Modeling laid the foundation, but acting gave me a platform to truly express myself.
Q: How does it feel to make your debut with “Osey Arundhathi”?
I couldn’t have asked for a better start. “Osey Arundhathi” is a comedy-thriller family entertainer, and being a part of this project has been a dream come true. Acting alongside such seasoned actors as Vennela Kishore and Kamal Kamaraju has been an enriching experience.
The film stands out for its engaging storyline that combines humor, suspense, and heartfelt family emotions. It’s set to release in 2025, and I’m incredibly excited for audiences to watch it. This project has been a perfect platform to showcase my abilities and learn from some of the best in the industry.
Q: What’s special about your upcoming film “Dharmachakram”?
“Dharmachakram” is a project I hold close to my heart. It’s currently in pre-production, and I’m preparing for one of the most challenging roles of my career—a dual role. Portraying two distinct characters in a single film has been both exhilarating and demanding.
This project is helping me push my boundaries as an actor, and I’m excited about exploring new dimensions of my craft. It’s set to release in 2025, and I believe it will showcase my versatility as an actress.
Q: What challenges have you faced while carving a niche in the film industry?
The journey hasn’t been without its share of challenges. Coming from a non-film background, I had to put in extra effort to prove my capabilities. Adjusting to the demands of the Telugu film industry, especially learning the language, was one of the biggest hurdles.
There were moments of self-doubt and rejection, but I’ve always believed in hard work and persistence. Every challenge has taught me valuable lessons and made me stronger, both personally and professionally.
Q: How do you manage your personal and professional life?
At this stage, my career takes precedence. I’m currently single and focusing all my energy on honing my skills and establishing a strong foothold in the industry. That said, I always prioritize time for my family and close friends, as their support keeps me motivated and grounded.
Q: What kind of roles do you aspire to take on in the future?
I aspire to take on roles that challenge me and allow me to grow as an actor. Whether it’s a high-energy commercial entertainer or a performance-driven, emotionally rich film, my goal is to deliver meaningful performances that resonate with audiences.
Tollywood is such a vibrant industry, filled with incredible talent and creativity. I want to contribute meaningfully and leave a lasting impression on audiences with my work.
Q: What would you like to say to your fans and well-wishers?
I’m truly grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Your love and encouragement mean the world to me. To anyone chasing their dreams, I want to say this—never stop believing in yourself, and don’t let challenges discourage you. Hard work and persistence will always pay off.
Monika Chauhan’s journey from winning Miss Delhi NCR 2018 to making her debut in Tollywood is a testament to her dedication and talent. With promising projects like “Osey Arundhathi” and “Dharmachakram”, Monika is on her way to becoming a notable name in Indian cinema. Stay tuned as this rising star continues to shine on the big screen!
