In this exclusive interview with Delhiites magazine, Alankrita Sahai opens up about her journey, her future projects and much more!!
With us presently being in the last month of the year, how would you describe your 2022 in 1 line ?
A year ago, everything was different. Now I look back and I realise a year can do a lot to a person.
Reflecting back on the year, what would you say were your highest and lowest moments ? And what would you say you learnt from both ?
My lowest was losing my father and my highest was winning my silent battles and overcoming obstacles with grace and kindness. The success of my ventures was my moment to be happy and bask in the glory while my heart knew it missed dad being around to be able to witness the same. He was my biggest fan. I learnt how to persevere and how to never give up hope. How to be kinder to myself and how to stand tall even when I felt like I am lost. Losing a parent can do a lot to one’s psyche. I had to keep the family together and myself too. I learnt that life is a symphony and one must be like water. Managing time and investing time in things that matter are two different things. Your path will always be illuminated even when the tunnel is dark. Patience is the key.
You have just recently featured in a brand-new song called “P Paa K” with Bollywood singing sensation, Nikitha Gandhi, how was your experience of working with her and your biggest take away from it ?
I had a fabulous time shooting for the song. But was also very emotional at the same time. Nikhita is a fireball. She’s full of life and very talented. We were both simultaneously shooting so whenever we did meet it was graceful and fun. Denny brought us together. So better ask him, Hahaha! My take away was to be present in the moment, to be the diva I am meant to be and to enjoy every movement and moment in life like it’s a song!
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You are closely connected to a lot of philanthropic causes, what drives you to work with so many organizations that aim at uplifting people from the EWS category ?
At the end, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about whom you’ve lifted up and whom you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back. My parents are the primary reason. I always saw them lending a hand or organizing various events for helping the less fortunate. They adopted a girl to look after as well. My parents would spend hours with children teaching them badminton, how to write, playing Carrom, buying them shoes, clothes and daily play equipment so they feel included and seen. Every life matters. Small or big, the gestures matter.
It could be an ocean or a drop the effort counts. We all are fortunate and extremely blessed. There is always scope to be better and evolve because if you’re not making someone else’s life better, then you’re wasting your time and no one becomes poor by giving. You don’t have to be famous for that! We all can make a difference by starting small. The drive is always to count my blessings and to share them. I am an empath so I can feel things intensely and to watch people smiling rather than feeling neglected by our society brings me immense joy as well. For me we all should be of the people by the people and for the people.
Would you say that you feel your background in pageants and modelling gives you a slight edge over your contemporaries ?
At times but not always. Talent and opportunity has nothing to with this. It’s definitely great to have these attributes and function with them to move forward. It’s great to have the experience and expertise to yield better results or to create and understand the technicalities of the job but when it comes to destiny, your luck and what’s meant for u all of these qualities are a reminder you are closer to your goal or sometimes they can take a back seat too. Everyone has their own calling. So yes, it’s definitely great professionally to be more aware and to have had such experiences to grow with. We must master our craft every day.
What can we look forward to seeing you in on the work front ?
On the work front I have, two films, one amazing show And two beautiful kickass songs coming up. However, there’s a lot more in the pipeline and these projects are to be announced next year.
How do you keep yourself mentally and physically sharp in between projects ?
I journal, I meditate, I listen to music to motivate and I do not laze around. I enjoy the hustle. It drives me to work harder and be smarter with my decisions. I work out a lot and I definitely pamper myself a-lot in between projects. Never forget to make yourself feel good. I am kinder to myself now. I used to be harsh and a real critic but now I have learnt the idea of letting go with ease. I have a great set of friends and a beautiful family who never stop at motivating me and keeping me in sync. And when you starting loving yourself and being grounded there is nothing in this world you can’t multitask and ace.
Being a delhi girl yourself, what are your favourite things to do in the city ?
I am a true Delhi girl to boot and I love to eat!
What would you say are your favourite places to eat in Delhi ?
There are plenty of places that I enjoy eating at, such as Khan market, Connaught Place, 32nd Avenue in Gurugram, Cyber hub and Kairos.
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Working in music videos, acting projects, charitable endeavours and start-ups, it is safe to say you juggle many hats, how easy has it been for you to multi-task ?
Like I said, I love multitasking. It comes with managing and investing time differently. And once you ground yourself and are in sync with your callings there is nothing that drains you. Each and every move you make is backed with great conviction and great conversations that led you here. For me, I don’t see it as a job. I see it as something that’s a part of my daily routine and each day it’s a different task to facilitate and excel in.
What is one project that you wish you could have starred in ?
Game Of Thrones. Hah!
What is one piece of advice you would offer to younger people looking up to you ?
Be true to who you are while you keep adding and subtracting what works for you and what doesn’t. Be confident and wear your smile like it’s worth a billion dollars. Do not ever succumb to bullies or bully anyone either. You may be heavily influenced by the world outside you and Instagram could make you conscious and give you identity crisis but the world that’s inside of you is far more beautiful and don’t let the pressure of the gram and filters make you feel less than or conscious.
You have to be mentally, emotionally and spiritually aligned and strong to be able to be in any industry and face the challenges the world will throw at you. The will to rise with grace is the most important part of this journey. Avoid being with people who gossip because great minds talk about visions not people. And in the end attract what you expect, reflect what you desire, become what you respect and mirror what you admire. Life is a journey that has to have its own path but have a little fun along the way and don’t get too serious everyone and everything. Take what you can and leave what you can’t. Your mental health is the top goal. It’s your temple.
So don’t pollute it. Feed yourself things what help you engage positively. An empty mind is filled with information right which stays for a long time hence the juices need to be flowing positively and organically to help nurture a child’s mind with the much-needed support and confidence that imbibes values that last a lifetime. I believe the recipe to finding yourself at time’s is to be able to be creative and co-exist with likeminded people who see the good and bad in you to show you the light even when you don’t see it. In school we are taught a lesson and then given a test but in life we are given a test from which we learn our lessons. I believe the only way forward in life is to keep evolving and being your authentic self!
