Navneet Malik: From Dreaming of Civil Engineering to Conquering the Screen

Navneet Malik, a name that's making waves in the entertainment industry. Despite dreaming of becoming a civil engineer, Navneet took a detour into modeling and eventually found his calling as an actor. His journey saw him in a pivotal role in the movie "Freelancer" and playing a Male Lead in  television show "Aankh Micholi."

In his early days as a model, Navneet recalls, "I literally slept on Marine Drive for days." With no support or industry know-how, Navneet relied on sheer determination to pave his path. "A friend of mine called me and, upon learning that I was sleeping on the streets, lent me his vacant apartment, along with a bike that had no brakes. I sought out roads without traffic police to avoid fines, as I had limited funds. The idea of taking an auto made me anxious, as once the meter started, I had no idea where it would stop, given my financial constraints," he says.

Reflecting on his television stint, Navneet opens up about the realities of working in the television industry. "I entered television with a dream to change the dynamics," he says, "but to my surprise, nothing changed." Recalling a funny incident on set, he shares, "During a serious scene, I had to emote an intense expression and I was doing it in my own way, in a subtle way. I was told that subtlety doesn't cut it on camera. It needs to be on your face."

Navneet also offered a refreshing perspective on the ongoing nepotism debate in the Hindi Film Industry. "I don't think nepotism exists in the way it's portrayed. A father would want his child to be happy and would do anything to make that happen but that doesn't take away or restrict anybody else's work." he asserts. He believes success comes from merit and dedication, rather than familial connections. "You make yourself apt for the work," he adds, "and nobody can take away what's rightfully yours."

Known for his calm and carefree demeanor, Navneet encourages others to trust their instincts. "You don't have to have everything figured out," he advises. "Trust your intuition and give your hundred percent, everything falls into place eventually." His journey from aspiring engineer to rising star serves as a testament to the power of self-belief and perseverance in chasing one's dreams. Navneet Malik will be seen in a film that is based on the life of Bollywood Star Sanjay Dutt. He is ready to astonish his fans in an untitled next.