Mumbai: Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha, best known for her work in films like Pyaar Ka Punchnama, has opened up about the struggles of being an outsider in Bollywood, the challenges of navigating the industry without connections, and facing online criticism over her personal beliefs and clothing choices.

In a candid interview with Shubhankar Mishra, Nushrratt spoke about how, despite delivering hits, she still doesn’t land roles like her contemporaries Sonakshi Sinha and Shraddha Kapoor. 

“They have an advantage, because they know the industry, they know the people. If not them, their parents know… So they reach there faster than me. They knock on doors whose addresses I don’t even know,” she shared, adding, “There is a very practical problem (for newcomers), where to search or who to ask for a director or producer’s phone number or address. It’s too tough to even get a number.”

Nushrratt also addressed the intense trolling she faces on social media for both her fashion choices and her religious beliefs, especially being from a Muslim background and visiting temples.

“For me, my faith and belief is real. Unreal things happen, and that’s why I’m still here,” she said. “My family believes that faith is something personal. You cannot force it on someone. Wherever you find peace, a mandir, gurudwara, or church, you should go there.”

She continued, “I even say this openly: I pray namaz. If I get time, I pray five times a day. I even carry my prayer mat while travelling. I’ve always believed there’s one God, and different ways to go to Him. And I want to explore all those ways.”

The Chhorii star acknowledged that she is frequently targeted online, for her clothes, her visits to temples, and even her film choices.

“Whether it’s about my clothes or where I go, I’ve faced comments. I handle it just like any other criticism. People question my religion, belief, work, choices of work, what i am saying… Criticism comes for everything and from everywhere.

"The only way to combat it is to truly know yourself. If you know what you are doing is correct and the path towards your God is pure... It (criticism) doesn’t change me. It won’t stop me from going to a temple or praying namaz. I’ll keep doing both. Because that’s my faith. When you’re clear in your thoughts, spirit, and mind, no one in the world can shake you.”

Nushrratt was last seen in Chhorii 2, the sequel to her 2021 horror hit Chhorii. Directed by Vishal Furia, the film also stars Soha Ali Khan, Gashmeer Mahajani, Saurabh Goyal and Hardika Sharma.