Mumbai— Actress Donal Bisht has revealed how a promising opportunity to work with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali slipped away due to misguided advice from people around her at the time.
She shared that she had been shortlisted for one of the director’s projects and had even made it to the final rounds of discussions with him and his team. Naturally excited, Donal said she had informed close friends and well-wishers about the development.
However, things took an unexpected turn when those around her began advising her on how to behave during the meeting—what to say, what to avoid, and how to present herself. Though the suggestions were framed as helpful, they ultimately left her confused.
“I never said no, but things became confusing and uncertain,” she explained.
Following that advice, Donal admitted she became hesitant during the interaction, which made her appear unsure. This reportedly raised concerns within the team, including Imtiaz Ali himself, who questioned her unusual responses.
The situation escalated to the point where members of the casting team later reached out to her, asking if she was alright or dealing with any emotional distress. They even wondered whether someone was influencing her negatively.
Looking back, Donal said she struggled at the time to understand what had gone wrong. With experience, however, her perspective has changed.
She acknowledged that not everyone in one’s circle genuinely wants to see growth. “Some people stay around for their own benefit and pull you down when they’re done,” she reflected.
Calling the incident a major life lesson, Donal emphasized the importance of trusting one’s instincts, especially in a competitive industry like entertainment. She now believes that both personal and professional decisions should be made independently.
Ending on a thoughtful note, she added that such experiences shape a person for the better and help in understanding people more clearly.
On the work front, Donal Bisht has earned praise for her performances in shows like Tu Zakhm Hai and Ek Deewaana Tha. She also gained widespread recognition after appearing on Bigg Boss 15.
With inputs from IANS