Navneet Malik: How Delhi Shaped the Actor’s Journey

Actor Navneet Malik, known for his roles in “Love Hostel” and “Heropanti 2,” recently visited Hauz Khas and shared how Delhi played a pivotal role in shaping his career and personality. Despite some social media claims dubbing Delhi as “boring,” Malik passionately believes the city will always remain “dilwallon ki!” (the city of heartwarming people).

A Love Affair with Delhi

Malik’s connection with Delhi began in 2013 when he moved from his hometown Rohtak, Haryana, for a civil engineering job. He recalls his first impression of the city, saying, “Rohtak ke baad, pehli baar I saw a city this big and I fell in love with it. It felt like I could build a future here.” Malik’s journey from Rohtak to Delhi marked the beginning of his love affair with the Capital, where he saw immense potential for his future.

Early Struggles and Auditions

In his initial days, Malik would scour online calls for models and actors, often frequenting Hauz Khas Village (HKV) to audition alongside hundreds of other hopefuls. Reflecting on those times, he says, “I was thinking in terms of holding a job in the big city, but I pushed myself to reach somewhere that I could see the bigger perspective. Gaon se nikalkar sheher mein aaya, tab socha tha ki jo karna hai yahin [Delhi mein] karna hai.” The bustling environment of HKV provided him the platform to get comfortable in front of the camera, a crucial step in his acting career.

Delhi: A City of Learning and Exploration

Sitting beside the reservoir at HKV, Malik reminisces about his early days in the city. The fort, lake, and Deer Park were places he considered “mysteries” that remained unexplored. He often visited Old Delhi for auditions and fast food, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant culture. “If this city was not near my hometown, it might not have been easy for me to reach where I am today,” Malik acknowledges.

Broadening 2Perspectives

Malik credits Delhi for broadening his perspectives and shaping his personality. He recalls a memorable incident near Jama Masjid, where he struck up a conversation with a group of foreigners despite his limited English. “English achche se aati nahi thi, par tooti phooti bhasha mein kuch toh maine kaha tha. Main poore time unke saath raha since sab foreigner dekh kar unse zyada paise le rahe thay. Bahut kuch seekhne ko milta hai Delhi mein.” This experience ignited his passion for travel and learning, making him appreciate the city’s diverse culture.