Making a name on television is rarely an overnight win — and Sumbul Touqeer's journey makes that clear. The actress, who first stepped into the spotlight through a dance reality show, found her real breakthrough with the serial Imli, which turned her into a household name. Having been part of several successful shows since, Sumbul recently opened up frankly about her career, the struggles along the way and the success that followed.
A Dream of Acting, a Start in Dance
Speaking to IANS, Sumbul shared that becoming an actress had been her dream all along. Interestingly, her entry into the industry came through a dance reality show, even though her true goal was always to perform in front of the camera. She says she is grateful that, with time, she kept getting chances to turn that dream into reality.
She said, 'I always wanted to be an actor. My journey in the industry began with a dance reality show, but my dream was to act. This journey has not been easy at all. I have seen both good and bad experiences, but it is these very experiences that made me stronger and gave me the courage to move forward.'
Every Character, a Lesson
Sumbul believes that every role she has played has taught her something new. From her earliest shows to her current one, 'Itti Si Khushi', she thoroughly enjoys bringing different characters to life on screen. In her view, each new character arrives carrying a fresh challenge and a fresh lesson for a performer.
Audience Reaction Is the Real Reward
The actress also admitted that viewers often blur the line between an actor and the character they play. According to her, when a character reaches people's hearts and prompts a strong reaction, that is the biggest measure of success for any performer. She added that she is proud of every role she has played so far and wants to keep taking on new and challenging parts in the future.
Screen Image Versus Real Life
Reflecting on how audiences think, Sumbul pointed to an important aspect. People, she said, often build an image of a performer based purely on the roles they see on screen. An actor cast as a hero or heroine is expected to behave the same way in real life, while those who play villains are sometimes viewed through a negative lens.
