Ravishing beauty Hasleen Kaur, a rising force in the OTT world after her standout roles in CAT and Mili is savoring the rewards of her dedication and patience. Her remarkable journey from an army daughter to a celebrated model, beauty pageant titleholder, and actor exemplifies perseverance and self-belief, navigating challenges and seizing opportunities with unwavering determination.
The Genesis of Stardom
Hasleen’s foray into the world of modeling was not a straightforward path. It began with her participation in a modest pageant called the May Queen Ball, a platform for daughters of Army, Air Force, and Navy officers. "It was more about grooming and building confidence," Hasleen reflects. Winning the pageant, with the jury including renowned figures like Gul Panag, JJ Valaya, Ambika Pillai, and Rahul Dutta, was a significant boost. Dutta’s offer of a free portfolio and feature on a talent hub website opened doors to modeling assignments in Delhi.
“Winning was a stroke of luck and opportunity. It wasn’t a deliberate choice, but it set the stage for what was to come,” Hasleen says. Her burgeoning modeling career led to a series of assignments year after year, establishing her in the fashion industry. Despite her initial success, Hasleen faced a crucial decision: to pursue a career in advertising and public relations, which she had a degree in, or to dive into the world of beauty pageants and acting. She chose the latter, participating in Miss India, which changed her life trajectory.
Navigating the Challenges of Bollywood
Winning Miss India in 2011 was monumental, but transitioning to Bollywood was far from easy. Hasleen signed her debut film in 2013, but the film tanked, and gloom set it. This initial setback was a tough pill to swallow. “The movie bombed, and I didn’t receive any offers immediately after. The journey became very treacherous at some point,” she admits. Eventually, her persistence paid off with significant roles in glowing projects like CAT and Mili.
Discipline Nurtures Resilience
Owing to her army background, Hasleen attributes her discipline and resilience to her upbringing. This helped her navigate the unpredictability and instability of the entertainment industry. It was ingrained in her that hard work always pays off.
Rejections, a common aspect of an acting career, never pulled her back. “I was never the kind to give up. I knew that rejections were part of the journey, and I always bounced back with a positive mindset,” Hasleen says.
Overcoming the Odds
Breaking into Bollywood as an outsider is daunting, and Hasleen’s experience was no different. “It’s challenging to get noticed when you’re starting out, and it takes time for people to recognize your work,” she explains. Despite the initial lack of attention from producers and directors, Hasleen’s talent eventually spoke for itself. “Your work is what truly speaks for you. If you believe in your abilities and let your work do the talking, you can overcome initial hurdles,” she notes.
Her big break came with Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. Working alongside celebrated actors like Dimple Kapadia and Ranbir Kapoor was a dream come true. She recalls, “Because it was my first time acting around Ranbir, I would get nervous, and he was cognizant of that. He would remind me of things like - Hasleen, your mark is over there. Okay, so my line is this; I'll give you the cue, and then you say this line.”
“Ranbir is a breeze to work with, and his integrity and ability to make everyone feel comfortable makes him the starboy he is!” she quips.
Preparation and Authenticity in Acting
For her role in CAT, Hasleen underwent meticulous preparation. Playing a Punjab-based cop required thorough research and observation. “I visited Punjab and observed female cops to understand their behavior. I paid attention to details like the cap and insignia to ensure authenticity,” she explains. This dedication to accuracy was crucial in portraying the character of Babita authentically and respectfully.
Fitness and Diet
Hasleen maintains her fitness by exercising regularly, aiming for three to five days a week. She has moved away from fad diets and now follows a balanced, colorful vegetarian diet. “I ensure I get enough protein and enjoy festival treats without guilt. If I overindulge, I just work out a bit more,” she says.
The Big Reveal
Transcending beyond local frontiers, Hasleen recently signed an international indie action thriller titled Ruthless Bastards, with Canadian director Bruce Fontaine. She exclaims, “After my work in CAT, Bruce saw potential in me and believed that my look and acting skills suited the role. He arranged three weeks of action training, leveraging my dance background to help with choreography, as action scenes are much like dance routines.”
Advice for Aspiring Women
To women aspiring to venture into the entertainment industry, she advises, “Stay true to your craft and keep the hard work going because sooner or later, things do start rolling. I am a living testament to this. As long as you're showing up every day and working on your craft, you are on the right track because talent sells.”
A modern-day testament to resilience, perseverance, and authenticity, Hasleen continues to inspire others with her story of overcoming challenges, seizing, and powering through it all.
Snacky Six with Hasleen Kaur:
- A pet-peeve that we are unaware of.
Arranging things symmetrically at home
2. Your most ridiculous and wisest purchase till date.
Ridiculous were these rain boots I bought in Mumbai which I never wore because they suffocate my feet. Wisest purchase would be anything I buy for my parents. Never thought twice, they’ve done everything for me!
3. A destination where you can spend the rest of your life.
Spain
4. If you could swap your life with a fictional character, who would that be?
Wonder Woman
5. Your all-time favorite comfort food.
Cheese sandwich & cold coffee
6. One fashion trend you swear by.
Baggy jeans ☺️