From parents’ divorce to being scolded and fainting on the sets of Maharana Pratap; former child actor and Son of Sardaar 2 fame Roshni Walia on her survival in the industry

Former child actor Roshni Walia, known for her work in Maharana Pratap and Tara From Satara, appeared on the Hauterrfly podcast, candidly reflecting on her journey from Allahabad to Bombay, family dynamics, career hardships, and what shaped her as a performer. Here are the key takeaways in her own words.

Roshni shared one of the most heartfelt gestures her mother made: “She had kept her gold chain so that she could buy me a phone.” This small act holds deep meaning for her. She added, “She has left her family… Whatever it is, it's because of mom. We wouldn't have this life today.” The story captures the emotional weight behind financial and personal sacrifices. It’s a testament to how far a mother will go to support her child’s dreams—even if it means parting with something as precious and symbolic as her gold jewelry.

Roshni spoke about the courage it took for her mother to uproot their lives: “She shifted to Bombay from Allahabad for her kids. What could be more fearless than this?” She added, “I think no one is more fearless than a mother.” Despite knowing the financial and emotional challenges of moving from a small town to an expensive city like Mumbai, her mother made the leap. “People used to say she’ll come back crying with two kids,” Roshni recalled, but they proved everyone wrong. Her words reflect admiration for her mother’s bravery and strength.

Opening up about her parents’ divorce, Roshni said, “My parents are divorced… We are not in each other’s lives.” But rather than letting it affect her negatively, she’s built a strong support system in Mumbai. “Sometimes your relations can be made with people organically,” she shared, adding that her chosen family—her friends, their parents, and her mom’s friends—are her world now. “They are like angels,” she said. This perspective shows a mature understanding of family, rooted in love and connection rather than blood alone.

When Roshni’s mother decided to shift to Mumbai, many doubted her. “They told mom, you’ll come back crying with two kids… You won’t be able to do anything,” she recalled. But they proved everyone wrong. “We changed our lives a lot. And we are very happy,” she said, adding that now the same people praise them. “Now they will say they’re proud of you. But that doesn’t matter.” This slide highlights resilience, belief in one’s journey, and the bittersweet reality of being doubted until you succeed.

Roshni’s acting journey started unexpectedly during a family vacation. “I gave an audition in Masti. We applied for that agency by giving ₹7000,” she said, remembering how intimidating it was to audition alongside experienced kids. Despite doubts, she was selected. “The day I was leaving for Allahabad, they called and told me I was selected. My first cheque was for ₹7000,” she said. This marked not only the start of her career but also a huge confidence boost. It was a full-circle moment—investing ₹7000 and earning the same in return.

Roshni spoke about her mother’s challenging early years. “My mom got married when she was 18… Her first child was at 19,” she said, adding that her mom was pregnant and working while dealing with cultural shifts and family dynamics in Allahabad. “She went for her delivery alone,” Roshni revealed, highlighting the loneliness and strength her mother endured. Wanting a better future for her daughters, she raised them with discipline. “She was very strict with Noor, my elder sister,” Roshni shared. Her mother’s past shaped her parenting, ensuring her daughters wouldn’t face the same hardships.

Recalling her experience on Maharana Pratap, Roshni revealed, “If I had forgotten the dialogue… Yes, it was abusive too.” But she harbors no bitterness. “I join hands in front of that director. I’ve learnt because of him. I am here because of him.” She believes that in high-pressure environments, scolding often drives discipline. “There’s a pressure of a 300-person crew. Even if you have a fever, you have to do it,” she explained. It wasn’t about toxicity, but about performance standards. That set taught her the work ethic and intensity required in the industry.

In an unforgettable anecdote, Roshni recalled a day when child actors including Faizal, Vishal Jethwa, and Jannat fainted after a 24-hour shoot. “It is bonkers when you think about it,” she said. But those were her formative years. “The serial set was my school. Producer is my principal, director is my teacher,” she described. She compared being scolded by a director to being corrected by a teacher. “You are learning every day… and everyone wants to give their best.” The set became her classroom, where real-life lessons unfolded every single day.