Saloni Batra, a name that might not have resonated with everyone until her recent role in Animal, has had a remarkable journey. Known for her portrayal as Ranbir Kapoor’s sister in the blockbuster film, Saloni’s acting skills have been in the spotlight. However, few know about the years of hard work she put in before landing this role. She may have started her career with critically acclaimed films at prestigious international festivals, but it’s her role in Animal that gave her much-deserved recognition on a national scale.
From Fashion Designing to Acting: Saloni’s Unexpected Journey
Saloni Batra’s career didn’t start in the film industry. Her initial plan was to establish herself in the world of fashion. After graduating from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Chennai, Saloni was set to pursue her career in fashion design. Little did she know that life had different plans for her.
When she moved to Mumbai to work in the fashion industry, Saloni was drawn into the world of acting. What started as an interest in working behind the scenes soon turned into an intense passion for the spotlight. She shared how Mumbai gave her a sense of empowerment and independence, something she didn’t feel back in her hometown of Delhi.
“I felt empowered as a woman living in Mumbai. The city made me feel like I could make a life of my own, and that pushed me to try out acting,” says Saloni, reflecting on how she initially juggled between fashion designing and auditioning for roles.
The Audition That Changed Everything
Saloni’s first brush with acting came through a commercial audition. She was still exploring her options in fashion when someone suggested she try her luck in advertising films for better earnings. This led her to an audition by casting director Abhimanyu Ray.
In this audition, she had to act, sing, and dance—skills she had trained in from childhood. To her surprise, her performance was not just impressive, but she received immediate praise from around 20-25 people present in the audition hall. “I felt a strong connection with the universe during that audition. It was like something clicked inside me, and I realized that acting was my true calling,” she recalls.
This moment gave her the confidence to pursue acting full-time, despite her family’s initial concerns about the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. But as Saloni says, “Passion drives you. Once you realize what you are passionate about, nothing can stop you.”
Struggles in Delhi: A Harsh Reality for Women
Though Mumbai gave Saloni a sense of independence, her experiences in Delhi were far from easy. Saloni shared a frightening incident from her days traveling to Faridabad, a neighboring city, for work. One day, a man at a local shop started making a video of her without her consent and came unnervingly close to her face while doing so.
Enraged by the man’s audacity, Saloni didn’t hesitate to take matters into her own hands. “I shouted at him, snatched his phone, and deleted the video. Although I was scared, I knew I had to act then and there,” she shares. This incident wasn’t an isolated one, and Saloni talks about how girls in Delhi have to deal with many similar situations regularly. “You can’t step out after 7 pm without feeling unsafe,” she adds, speaking about the restrictions she felt while living in Delhi.
‘Animal’ Brought National Fame
Although Saloni had previously worked on notable projects like The Legends of Michael Mishra, Life Sahi Hai, Taish, and Soni, it was her role in Animal that put her on the national map. Her portrayal of Ranbir Kapoor’s sister in the film was a breakthrough moment for her.
Talking about Animal, Saloni shared how the film was not only a box-office hit but also marked a significant turning point in her career. “Before Animal, I was known for my performances in festivals like Venice and Busan, but Animal gave me recognition across India,” says Saloni, crediting the movie for making her a household name.
Her earlier movie Soni, which opened at the Venice Film Festival and won the Best Film Award at the Busan Film Festival, gave her immense critical acclaim. However, the fame and recognition she received with Animal were on another level. She mentioned that working in a big-budget, star-studded film like Animal strengthened the trust filmmakers had in her abilities as an actress.
“Now, I get to work with people I always wanted to collaborate with,” Saloni adds, beaming with pride over the opportunities coming her way post-Animal.
Balancing Personal Views and On-Screen Characters
The role of Ranbir Kapoor’s character in Animal as an alpha male received a fair amount of criticism. When asked if she could accept such a character in her real life, Saloni had a balanced response.
“I believe in balance. In any relationship, whether it’s a man or a woman, dominance is never healthy. Relationships are about equality,” she explains. While Saloni is fully aware that actors must portray characters without judgment, she also points out that films are a reflection of stories and visions, not necessarily guides for real-life behavior. “Cinema can take inspiration from real life, but it doesn’t mean people should emulate everything they see on screen,” she emphasizes.
Her Role in ‘Khalbali Records’: A Complex Character
These days, Saloni is in the limelight for her role in the series Khalbali Records. She plays Ananya Rai Singhania, a woman with many shades of her personality. Describing her character, Saloni shares that Ananya is a strong businesswoman who tries to balance her personal and professional life.
“Ananya is not just dealing with family issues but also navigating her love life and the pressure from her father. It’s a very layered character,” she says. As an actress, Saloni found the role both fun and challenging because it allowed her to explore different emotions and situations.
The complexity of the character, combined with the strong script, made Khalbali Records a project Saloni truly enjoyed working on. “There was so much turmoil within the character, and yet she emerges as a hero. It was one of the most fun roles I have ever done,” she shares.
Working with Ram Kapoor: A Learning Experience
Saloni also spoke highly of her experience working alongside veteran actor Ram Kapoor in Khalbali Records. “He’s someone you learn from just by talking to him,” she says, praising the actor for his humility and willingness to share his journey in the film industry.
Ram Kapoor, known for his performances across TV, films, and web series, brought a sense of comfort and wisdom to the set. “He was like a father figure on set, and working with someone with so much experience was very enriching,” Saloni adds.
Her admiration for Ram Kapoor extended beyond his acting skills to his generous nature on set. “He never made anyone feel small, even with all his experience. It was a privilege to work with him,” she concludes.
Saloni Batra’s journey from a fashion design student to a nationally recognized actress is one filled with hard work, perseverance, and passion.
