Yogita Bihani: The Kerala Story’s success has changed people’s perception towards my ability as an actor

06/06/2023

They say nothing sells like success. Actress Yogita Bihani vouches for that fact, ever since her performance in The Kerala Story has made her a household name. Yogita reveals how the love and adulation from the audience has given her career a boost.
How much has your life changed since The Kerala Story?
My life has undergone significant changes. People now recognize me not just by my name but also by my performance. Whenever someone appreciates my work in the film, they often mention the monologue scene in front of the police officer. As an artist, such recognition reaffirms my passion for what I do, and it brings me immense happiness.
Do you believe that a film like The Kerala Story can bring about social change?
I believe that conversations have already begun due to the film's impact. As I interact with people, many express that they were previously unaware of certain issues addressed in the film, while others share personal experiences related to such topics. For instance, someone shared that a senior from their college had joined ISIS, and others mentioned incidents involving their friends. It's evident that the film has opened up discussions and raised awareness.
Looking at your journey in the film industry, do you feel you had to wait a long time for the right opportunities?
Before The Kerala Story, I had already worked on projects like AK vs AK and Vikram Vedha. So, I don't consider it a long wait. Progressing in the industry requires patience and growth as an actor. It's not simply about being available; one needs to prove their talent and abilities. I'm content with the direction my career is taking, and I believe that success comes with time and dedication.
Was your journey a challenging one?
Leaving my job was a significant challenge for me, considering I had been independent since the age of 16-17. The first hurdle was determining whether I could sustain myself financially for six months solely on my savings. If acting didn't work out, I had planned to return to my job, as I didn't want to burden my parents by borrowing money. Fortunately, things worked out, and I found success in television, which provided financial stability until I transitioned to films.
The challenges one faces in their journey depend on the type of projects they aspire to work on. While I could have continued doing television and earning money, I desired to be a performance-oriented actor. Naturally, this path was more difficult and required additional time to reach where I am today.
Did you take a break from television to focus on films?
Yes, I did take a break from television. By that point, I had outgrown the medium. If I had still been content with it, I would have continued working in television. However, my interests had evolved, and television had become a demanding 9 am to 9 pm job. Hence, I decided to take a break and explore opportunities in the film industry.
Actors often need to spend money on their survival. Did this aspect concern you?
Yes, it did. Fortunately, I had saved money. I must admit that I'm quite frugal by nature, being a typical "Baniya." I don't spend much on myself and have even gone without shopping for up to six months. Instead, I prioritize investing in my personal growth, such as dance classes and acting workshops, over shopping sprees.
Did being an outsider pose a challenge for you?
Being an outsider presented its own set of challenges. People weren't aware of my existence until they saw me perform. Directors tend to be more familiar with individuals who were born and raised within the film industry. However, I never complained about this reality. I firmly believe that there are numerous talented actors out there who struggle to connect with the right producers or directors. If they had the opportunity to reach the right people, we would witness a pool of exceptional performers.
There's a perception that TV actors are overexposed, and OTT platforms may not be keen on casting them. What are your thoughts on this?
I have come across this perception before. However, my experience with The Kerala Story changed that perception. Interestingly, the person who initially rejected my profile had a change of heart after seeing my work in The Kerala Story. It goes to show that while some people may hold this belief, there are others who don't. If someone holds such a notion, it's always possible to prove them wrong through one's talent and determination.
Can you tell us about any new projects you have signed?
I am thrilled to share that I have signed a couple of films. One of them is quirky comedy, offering a light-hearted and entertaining experience. The other project is entirely different, providing a unique and contrasting role.

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