Donal Bisht, who transitioned from television to films to pursue her long-standing dream, continues to navigate auditions and seek lead roles in Hindi cinema. After featuring in television shows such as Kalash – Ek Vishwaas, Ek Deewaana Tha, Roop – Mard Ka Naya Swaroop, Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji and Bigg Boss 15, Donal Bisht decided to pursue films, a long-standing dream that took shape during her last fiction show on television. Despite the uncertainty and long wait for projects to release, she remained committed to cinema.Recalling her transition from television to films, Donal shares, “Coming out of your comfort zone is always difficult, but you have to make that choice if you want to do something different. After television, I explored web shows, and after Bigg Boss 15, I shot my first Telugu film, MR, almost two years ago. Unlike television, where a project can reach audiences within a month or so of being shot, films have a much longer journey. They require patience and the right timing. I used the waiting period to hone my craft through dance, swimming, mixed martial arts, Kathak, acting courses and studying cinema. There were several hits and misses along the way. I auditioned for the lead role in Laal Singh Chaddha and was among the final shortlisted actresses. I was also considered for Suparnakha in Ramayana and projects with filmmakers such as Imtiaz Sir. I have shot a bilingual film in Telugu and Kannada, as well as an international film with director Andrew Lau.”She adds, “It was challenging because I knew very little about the industry and had to learn how to choose projects. I also lost some good projects because of wrong guidance. These experiences made me more aware of the industry and the importance of being careful about whom I seek guidance from.”Although television could have offered immediate visibility and financial stability, Donal remained focused on films. She explains, “It takes a lot of strength to look beyond the monetary aspect, especially when a good television show, instant visibility and a great budget are just one ‘yes’ away. However, being too familiar a face can sometimes work against you in films, especially when you aspire to play lead roles. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice something to get somewhere.”Reflecting on her experience of pursuing lead roles in Hindi cinema, Donal says, “In the South, I found more opportunities to play lead roles. In Bollywood, there are fewer openings for outsiders, particularly for female leads, and I don’t personally know anyone in the industry. For us, auditions are the only way in. Even after being shortlisted, I often wouldn’t make the final cut. I eventually understood that filmmakers have to consider a certain visual hierarchy while casting, and that production houses and studios decide the options for lead roles. It feels disappointing when opportunities don’t materialise, but I truly believe the right project will come along at the right time. When big filmmakers believe in me and approach me for great projects, who am I not to believe in myself?”
