'My journey as a model has made me stronger'

Delhi-based Nihharika Ghai made her debut on TV as a contestant of the reality show Splitsvilla season 9. The model-turned actor is now making a debut in  Bollywood with Karan Johar’s movie Ae Dil Hai Mushkil featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Anushka Sharma and Fawad Khan in lead roles. She will also be seen in rapper Badshah’s upcoming music video. Talking to Metrolife, Ghai shares more about her struggles, ambitions and expectations.

Excerpts:

Why did you choose Splitsvilla?
I have been watching the show since I was a teenager. I somewhere used to relate myself to the show. As the theme of this season is ‘Where Women Rule’, I could not find any reason to miss the chance to apply for this.

Tell us more about your role in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil ?
I am playing the role of Anushka Sharma’s friend. I hope my role in this movie gets appreciation. And if the audience will like my work, it will naturally boost my career.

How has your journey as a model been?
During my initial days of modelling, I was quite nervous. Like many, I too was struggling. I think a model should have good contacts and good choice of assignments. My journey as a model has made me strong. I want to make my career on my own terms. With a key of patience and dedication I have managed to overcome with such situations.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I want to see myself working in some performance-oriented films, which can give me a sense of satisfaction and also make me proud.

How supportive has your family been?
My family has been very supportive, especially my mother. She trusted me blindly while on my shoots as there was less interaction with her. She has never stopped me from doing whatever I wanted to do.