Nargis Fakhri REVEALS BOLLYWOOD'S UGLY SIDE: "I was unhappy working..."

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Actress Nargis Fakhri from Bollywood has spoken up about her struggle with depression and how it was impacted by the Bollywood industry. In this situation, she would never be able to forgive the industry for making her land in this position. Imtiaz Ali spotted the actress and chose her to feature opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Rockstar. She also appeared in several films, including Azhar, Main Tera Hero, Madras Cafe, and Housefull 3. In a recent interview, the actress spoke about burnout.

American-born Nargis Fakhri has made a name for herself in Bollywood. She recently discussed how challenging it was to work and establish a life in a place with linguistic and cultural differences. Even though it makes you uncomfortable, you must engage with people.

She was quoted saying to Masala, I didn’t know how to manoeuvre in a new culture. I was told that because I was so authentic and honest in my feelings it wasn’t a good thing. You have to interact with people even if you’re not comfortable with them. You have to put on a game face, which I couldn’t. I was said to be immature. Today, I have come to understand that in actuality there are three faces – a business face, a creative face and then your own personal face.”

The actress also mentioned taking a vacation from the entertainment industry since she had mental health problems as a result of eight years of nonstop labour. The actress asserted, “I’d worked every single day for eight years and I hardly got to be with my family. I felt unwell due to stress. Consequently, I developed health issues. Was I depressed? I guess you can use the word. I was unhappy in my situation and was questioning myself as to why I was still there.”

She continued, “I took two years off to get healthy. I did Vipassana meditation in the US. I did a kind of fasting, where you only have water and no food for certain days. Fasting is said to sharpen your senses. Rumi was quoted saying that fasting opens the eyes of the soul. You connect to the Universe.”

The actress gave a glimpse inside Bollywood and acknowledged that it is not an easy trick, but she said she loves what she does and couldn't picture her life without modelling or performing.  She elaborated, “This job is not that everyone can have. My job as a model and actor is glamorized. It’s not as glamorous behind the scenes. I walked away because I listened to my body. For some, fame, adulation, and appreciation… are an addiction. They seek validation and approval from people in that way. I am not addicted to it. But honestly, I can’t imagine not modelling or acting. I have done it for so many years. It’s part of me.”