Nayan Shukla got noticed for her role as Masaba’s manager in a digital series featuring the fashion designer and her actress-mother Neena Gupta. Nayan’s performance was lauded by the audience too. But before making it big, the actress had faced a lot of rejection from the industry.

Delhi girl Nayan, who moved to Mumbai in 2016 to make her dreams come true, shares the story of her struggle before she found work. In an exclusive interaction with ETimes, the budding actress points out. “The struggle lies in finding ‘the connections’, I believe. It took me approximately three years to connect with most casting directors and get a chance to audition. The rejection came in large numbers and comforting words were too little, but it was the grit I held so deep in my heart that kept me going.”

On being asked if she idolises any actor whom she wants to work with, Nayan doesn’t miss a beat before rattling off her wishlist. “I have huge admiration for stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and of course, Vidya Balan. It will be ideal if I get a chance to be creative around them,” she admits with a sheepish grin.

Earlier, while speaking to ETimes, Nayan had revealed how Vidya’s message of appreciation, post her series, had lifted her spirits. She had said, “When I received a message from Vidya Balan, the pandemic was still at its peak and although I was fortunate to have come back to Delhi to my family right on time, there was a sense of fear. I must admit that just that one message from her lifted my spirits. She’s also someone I have admired for a very long time.”