Naila Grrewal says success now means satisfaction, audience appreciation

Actress Naila Grrewal says her understanding of success has evolved over the years, with material milestones such as owning a house or car giving way to personal satisfaction, self-love and the feeling of having given her best at work.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Naila said her definition of success was very different when she was starting out, particularly after moving from Delhi to Mumbai to pursue acting.

“When you just start out, the meaning of success is very different for you. I am from Delhi, so for me, having a house in Mumbai, having a car, and achieving those things would define a different level of success,” she said.

However, after spending several years in the industry, the actress said she now measures success by how she feels at the end of a working day.

“Now, after doing as much work as I have done, I feel success for me is coming back home feeling satisfied. After spending long hours on set, I want to feel that I have given my best,” she said.

For Naila, appreciation from the audience has also become an important part of that equation.

“If the audience likes my work, that is my definition of success. I feel that it has now transformed into self-gratification and self-love as well. Every day, whatever I do, I want to feel satisfied that I have spent my time well,” she added.

Looking back at her journey, Naila described it as an interesting transition from performing with the Dramatic Society of Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi to pursuing acting full-time in Mumbai.

“My journey has been very interesting for me. I started in Delhi as part of the Dramatic Society of Lady Shri Ram College for Women. Today, I am in Mumbai, and I am doing full-time acting,” she said.

The actress, who has appeared in films including ‘Tamasha’ and ‘Thappad’, said her career has been particularly fulfilling because it has allowed her to work with several acclaimed filmmakers.

She recalled working with Imtiaz Ali early in her career, followed by Ashwini Iyer Tiwari and Anubhav Sinha, and more recently Rahul Pandey and Atlee.

“The journey has been very satisfying. To work with directors like Imtiaz Ali right at the beginning of my journey, followed by Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, Anubhav Sinha and, most recently, Rahul Pandey and now Atlee Sir, has been incredible,” Naila said.

“I think this is exactly where I have always wanted to reach. I am still on that journey, so it is very satisfying, and I am very happy that I have reached this point,” she added.