Mumbai: From music videos and modelling to television, Punjabi cinema and competitive Bachata, Twinkle Arora’s journey has been shaped by versatility, persistence and a willingness to keep learning. Best known for her television work in Udaariyaan and Jhanak, the actor has also explored Punjabi music, made her film debut with Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye, and recently made her mark by winning at the amateur national level in Bachata. In an exclusive conversation with The Lucknow Tribune, Arora opens up about her evolution as an actor, the lessons she has carried from dance and sports, and the creative challenges she hopes to embrace next.
The Lucknow Tribune: How did your journey in the entertainment industry begin, and what first drew you toward acting?
Twinkle Arora: My journey started with dance and music videos. During my college days, I began doing music videos, and that gave me the confidence to face the camera and understand the world of entertainment. I also did modelling, advertisements and web projects and appeared for many auditions. There were plenty of rejections, but I kept working on myself and learning. I have always loved performing, and gradually I realised that acting was something I genuinely wanted to pursue. Udaariyaan became my first major television opportunity, and that changed my journey in many ways.
The Lucknow Tribune: Looking back at Udaariyaan, what were some of the most memorable or challenging moments while portraying Nehmat?
Twinkle Arora: Udaariyaan will always be very special to me because Nehmat was my first major television character. There were many emotional and challenging scenes, and I had to learn how to handle different emotions while shooting for long hours. But the biggest thing I will always remember is the love I received from the audience. Nehmat became a part of my life, and I became emotionally attached to her journey. Even today, when people talk to me about Nehmat, it feels very special.
The Lucknow Tribune: How did working on Jhanak differ from Udaariyaan, and what did it teach you as an actor?
Twinkle Arora: Jhanak was very different because I got to play Moon, a character with a different personality and emotional journey. After Udaariyaan, I wanted to challenge myself rather than repeat the same kind of character. Moon gave me an opportunity to explore another side of my acting. Working on a new set, with a new cast and a different storyline, always teaches you something. It helped me become more comfortable with experimenting and trusting myself as an actor.
The Lucknow Tribune: You have also made a mark in Punjabi music. How did that chapter begin?
Twinkle Arora: Punjabi music was actually one of the first steps in my career. I started doing music videos and got opportunities to work with different artists. Coming from Punjab and having a strong connection with the culture, Punjabi music has always felt very close to me. Music videos taught me a lot about expressions, camera presence and performance. Even today, I enjoy being connected with music because it gives me a different kind of creative freedom.
The Lucknow Tribune: Your Punjabi film debut in Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye is another significant milestone. What excited you about stepping into cinema?
Twinkle Arora: Doing a Punjabi film was definitely a very special milestone for me. I was excited because cinema is a different medium and gives an actor a different experience. I was also happy to work in the Punjabi space because it is very close to my roots. I wanted to take up the opportunity, learn from the people around me and understand how a film set works. It was a new experience, and I am grateful that I got to be a part of it.
The Lucknow Tribune: Can you tell us something about Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye and what audiences can look forward to?
Twinkle Arora: Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye has a lot of emotion, humour and Punjabi flavour. The story has a strong human side to it, and the characters come together in an interesting way. I would not want to reveal too much about my character because I feel audiences should discover it while watching the film. What I can say is that it was a new experience for me, and I really enjoyed being part of the world of the film.
The Lucknow Tribune: How do you balance television, music and films, given that each medium works differently?
Twinkle Arora: I think the biggest thing is to stay prepared and be willing to learn. Every medium has its own way of working. Television teaches you speed and consistency, music videos teach you expressions and performance, while films give you more time to build a character and understand the world of the story. I try not to compare one medium with another. I simply focus on what the project needs from me at that particular time.
The Lucknow Tribune: You have also trained in and perform Bachata. How did you discover the dance form?
Twinkle Arora: Dance has always been a very important part of my life, so I wanted to learn something new. That is how I discovered Bachata. I started learning it seriously and gradually developed a deep love for the dance form. I have been learning it for around two years, and recently winning at the amateur national level was a very special moment for me. It made me realise that if you stay consistent and enjoy the process, you can achieve things you may not have expected.
The Lucknow Tribune: How has Bachata influenced your movement, expression and work as an actress?
Twinkle Arora: Bachata has helped me understand movement in a much deeper way. It is not only about steps; it is about connection, expression, body language and feeling the music. As an actor, these things are also very important. Dance has made me more comfortable with my body and expressions, and Bachata has added another layer to that. It has also taught me patience because you cannot learn a dance form overnight.
The Lucknow Tribune: Sports also seem to be an important part of your life. What activities do you enjoy, and how do they help you?
Twinkle Arora: Fitness has always been important to me. I have explored different things, including boxing and martial arts, and I have also trained in dance and acrobatics. These activities keep me physically active, but more importantly, they give me discipline. When you work in entertainment, your schedule can be unpredictable, so having some form of physical activity helps me stay energetic and mentally fresh.
The Lucknow Tribune: Between acting, music, dance and sports, how do these different passions complement each other?
Twinkle Arora: I feel all these things are connected. Music teaches me rhythm, dance teaches me expression and movement, sports teach me discipline, and acting brings all of these things together through a character. I don’t see them as separate parts of my life. They have all helped me become more confident and comfortable as a performer. I also believe that when you genuinely enjoy what you do, it reflects in your work.
The Lucknow Tribune: Finally, what kind of roles and creative experiences would you like to explore next?
Twinkle Arora: I want to keep experimenting and growing. I would love to explore strong and layered characters that challenge me as an actor. I am also interested in films, OTT and different kinds of stories. I would love to try romance, comedy and even a thriller because I don’t want to limit myself to one particular image. My focus is to keep learning, keep working and take up projects that give me something new to discover as an artist.
“Winning this competition is a very special feeling”
Reflecting on her recent Bachata achievement, Twinkle says the experience has gone beyond dance. “Bachata has taught me patience, especially as a follower, where understanding the leader’s communication takes time. That patience has stayed with me in real life too. I’m grateful for this journey and everyone who guided me along the way.”
