Life as an army kid taught me discipline and adaptability: Meenaakshi Chaudhary

“I’ve never viewed my journey as a race, or as something driven by the need to prove myself to others,” asserts Meenaakshi Chaudhary. It’s a grounding philosophy for the actor, who has built an impressive body of work in Telugu and Tamil cinema with roles in films like The GOAT, Lucky Baskhar, Sankranthiki Vasthunam and Anaganaga Oka Raju. An army kid from Haryana, raised on constant movement, Chaudhary learned early that true stability comes from within. Her discipline was forged well before the arc lights — as a state-level swimmer, a badminton player, and a qualified dental surgeon. In a conversation with us, Chaudhary reflects on the principles that anchor her, the lessons fame continues to offer, and the quiet, steady resolve with which she approaches her craft.

‘Growing up in an army family taught me how to adapt’

Being an army kid is one of the biggest blessings of my life. It shaped my personality, my work ethic, and the way I look at change. Discipline and responsibility weren’t taught to us; we absorbed them by watching our parents live that way. Life in the army also teaches you that everything is transient. You make the most of where you are, and then you move on. That mindset has helped me adapt easily to new cities, languages and work environments. I’ve become comfortable with change, while holding on to constants like being punctual, accountable and committed to my work.

‘I’ve learnt as much from people as from the work’

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked with actors across industries so early in my career. For me, it has never been about language or geography, but about working with people who are passionate about their craft. Sitting with some of the country’s biggest stars, having conversations with them, and observing how they conduct themselves has taught me invaluable lessons. Their journeys remind me that sustaining excellence takes consistency, humility and constant self-reflection — qualities I try to incorporate into my own life.

‘Daksha pushed me into unfamiliar territory’

Vrushakarma marks a significant shift for me. Daksha is intelligent, ambitious and deeply focused, and the story follows her journey and the heights she can reach. What made the role particularly challenging was working extensively with CG, VFX and green screens — something completely new for me. Staying emotionally connected to the character while navigating the technical demands required a different kind of preparation. It forced me to trust my instincts and explore a side of myself I hadn’t tapped into before, making the experience both demanding and rewarding.

‘I try not to be defined by outcomes’

My father used to say that a horse’s eyes are covered on the sides, so it only sees what’s ahead. That lesson has stayed with me. Success and failure are both inevitable in this profession, but neither should define you. What matters is staying grateful, staying grounded, and continuing to move forward. I try to accept everything as part of the journey, learn from it, and not let either achievements or setbacks distract me from becoming the person I’m meant to be.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”