From Rejections to Respect: ‘Lunchbox’ Girl Nimrat Kaur’s Story Is an Inspiration for Every Woman

Known for her powerful performances in The Lunchbox, Airlift, Dasvi, and most recently KUL, Bollywood actress Nimrat Kaur recently opened up in an interview where she reflected on her childhood, struggles, etc

By Priyanka Yadav 24 Jul 2025 in Interview

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Nimrat Kaur Opens Up on Journey From Army Kid to Star

Nimrat Kaur, one of Bollywood’s finest actresses, known for her performances in The Lunchbox, Airlift, Dasvi, and most recently KUL, is the daughter of an army officer. She carved her own identity in the glitzy world of Mumbai after growing up in the simplicity of small towns and cantonment areas. In a recent interview with a media house, she opened up about her childhood memories, struggles, theatre journey, advertising experience, her career, and the success of The Lunchbox. Let’s find out what she had to say...

How was your childhood as the daughter of an army officer? What did you learn from living in so many different places?

My childhood was beautiful. I was raised in a simple and protected environment, being an army officer’s daughter. We lived in cantonment areas and were transferred every two to three years. My life was full of innocence and sweetness. The 11 years I spent with my father were the best years of my life. I’ve lived in places like Arunachal Pradesh, Bathinda, Patiala, and Pune—each place exposed me to different people, languages, and cultures. I truly believe India is like many small countries in one; every region has a unique flavor and identity. Sometimes, it feels like India is a whole continent.

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How did your army background shape your mindset?

Growing up in an army environment is very protective. My father enrolled me in a public school so I could understand diversity. I was never made to feel like being a girl was a limitation. My dad used to say, “Do whatever you want, but do it fully—and never give up.”

How did acting come into the picture, and what was your family's reaction?

After college, I realized I wasn’t drawn to academics or the typical 9-to-5 structure. I wanted to carry my madness within a structure but not be limited by it. I was always active on stage—debates, dramatics. That desire to do something different led me to acting. When I made this decision, my mom was quite worried and asked, “Who do you know there? How will you survive?” I stayed with relatives for a few months, and then earned enough through ad films and music videos to move into a rented space.

You’ve earned a name in the film industry today, but what were your early struggles and auditions like?

It wasn’t an easy journey. Every opportunity meant a new audition. I landed my first break after about 85–90 auditions—just one chance out of a hundred. I faced so many rejections that I often doubted myself. “Am I really cut out for this?” I would wonder. But there was always this voice inside me saying, “You’ve got something special—just keep going.”

How did you cope with rejection?

I used to get really upset sometimes. I would cry on the phone with my mom. But I knew going back wasn’t an option. Just when I felt completely broken, something small—some opportunity or positive thing—would come my way, and I’d get back up. I learned from my childhood and my father’s teachings—never give up.

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One of your most iconic films is The Lunchbox. How did you land that role?

The Lunchbox was a major turning point in my life. At that time, theatre felt like a luxury—I made money from ad films, but theatre gave me soul satisfaction. One day, a casting director saw my play and introduced me to director Ritesh Batra. After several rounds of auditions, I got the part. Honestly, it felt like a gift from the universe. That film was truly a blessing.

What was your experience like doing the iconic Cadbury ad?

The Cadbury ad came around the same time as The Lunchbox, and it holds a special place in my heart. I had to eat a lot of chocolates during the shoot, but it was all fun—no complaints! That ad gave me a unique identity, and even today, many people still recognize me as the “Cadbury girl.”

What was it like working in Airlift alongside Akshay Kumar?

AirLift was special, especially because of my army background. Working with Akshay Kumar was so much fun—the hardest part was trying not to laugh because he’s genuinely hilarious. His discipline and work ethic are truly inspiring.

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Are you very selective about the projects you take on?

I’ve always believed in quality over quantity. For me, the script has to mean something. If my heart and soul aren’t in the character, it shows on screen—and that’s not good for anyone, not even for myself.

Have you formed any deep friendships in the industry?

I’ve never actively tried to make friends in the industry. I have two or three close friends from the time I first came to Mumbai. If friendships develop naturally at the workplace, that’s great—but I’ve always stayed focused on the work environment and my performance.

What has been the most challenging moment in your career?

During COVID, I had to gain a lot of weight for a film. Living with that heavy body for 4–5 months was incredibly tough—I didn’t even recognize myself. It took me a whole year to get back to my normal self. But that phase taught me a lot.

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What do you think is your greatest strength that helps you move forward during tough times?

My biggest strength is that I never give up. Yes, I do feel down sometimes—but I never break. I always remind myself that every feeling and every phase is temporary. No matter how dark it gets, the sun always rises.

Any recent performance or film that touched you deeply?

I really liked Kesari 2—its subject matter is very close to my heart. Among the younger generation, I recently watched a music video by Rasha called “Ui Amma”, and I genuinely saw a spark in her.

What one piece of advice would you give to young people entering acting or any creative field?

I would just say—never give up. Stay put, because that one opportunity will come and change your life. The real mantra of life is this: stay positive; tough times always pass.