Interview: Taniya Chatterjee: I am a trained dancer in Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Hip-Hop!

Taniya Chatterjee made her Hindi web-series debut with Gandii Baat 4, which brought her into the limelight. She subsequently appeared in popular web series including Kasak, Jaal, Titliyaan, Dil Do, Watchman, Crimes and Confessions and House of Lies. Alongside acting, Taniya has also featured in music videos, including Soneya and the recently released Qayamat. A trained dancer with a passion for exploring diverse characters, Taniya is now looking forward to newer challenges across films, web series and music. In this candid conversation with Sr Editor of CineBuster, Mr Keerti Kadam, she opens up about her latest collaboration, dancing, fitness, mental strength, social media and her upcoming projects.

CineBuster: Taniya, you have recently collaborated with Pushkar Jog for the song. ‘Haye Re Haye’. How did you come on board?

Taniya Chatterjee: My song Kayamat, released by Eros Now, had come out earlier. For its music video, I had approached Pushkar on Instagram for a collaboration. Whenever a song is released, we collaborate with different actors and influencers. I messaged Pushkar, and he agreed. The collaboration received an amazing response. You could see the chemistry between us—we were dressed in black, and there was a certain fire, chemistry and wildness that worked very well on screen.

After that, Pushkar suggested that we should do a music video together. I was really excited because I had been wanting to work with him. He is a well-known personality and a Marathi superstar. We decided to collaborate, and when he sent me the song, I absolutely loved it. Then Nakash Aziz came on board. He has sung several popular songs, including Selfie Le Le Re and many other hits. I thought, “Let’s do it and set the screen on fire!”

CineBuster: Pushkar has been dancing since childhood and considers himself a dancer before an actor. Did you face any challenges while matching his energy? What is your dancing background?

Taniya Chatterjee: I am a trained dancer in Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Hip-Hop. South Indian dance forms require tremendous energy. Every step has to be performed with complete involvement and enthusiasm; otherwise, it can look dull on screen.

When I saw Pushkar dancing, I was naturally inspired by his energy. As an actor, I am learning and growing every day, so I really enjoyed watching him and felt that I had to bring the same level of energy to the performance. I was wearing a saree, and I completely set the stage on fire! At one point, the saree was even slipping, but I managed it.

CineBuster: Having seen your other work, we must say you look very glamorous in the song. Do compliments like these motivate you?

Taniya Chatterjee: Thank you so much. When you are surrounded by talented and energetic people, their enthusiasm naturally inspires you to give your best. If you give anything less, you feel that you could have done better. That really pushed me to perform at my best.

CineBuster: Social media plays a huge role in an actor’s life today. How do you handle social media and trolling?

Taniya Chatterjee: I actually enjoy social media. I don’t allow trolling to affect me. At the end of the day, I am an actor, and I have to work and associate with good people. My work should speak, not my mouth. So I prefer to remain silent, focus on my craft and keep improving myself.

I believe that if people are talking about you, it means you are progressing. There will always be people who are jealous or who wonder how you achieved something, but they don’t see the years of hard work behind that success. You cannot respond to everyone, especially people who have nothing better to do than comment on everything. Why give them unnecessary attention?

My focus is on good work. Yes, if someone crosses a certain line or enters my personal space, I know how to deal with it. But otherwise, I simply don’t care. In fact, I sometimes feel like telling the trolls, “Troll me more!” (Laughs)

CineBuster: Fitness is extremely important in your profession. You have maintained yourself remarkably well. What is your fitness secret?

Taniya Chatterjee: I follow a strict diet and work out regularly. My routine generally focuses on different parts of the body on different days. I work on my arms, shoulders and legs, with special emphasis on glutes. I also follow a low-carbohydrate diet.

Earlier, I used to work out with a trainer, but I don’t have one at the moment because I have learned quite a lot over the years. I now understand my body and know how to structure my workouts.

CineBuster: Physical fitness is important, but mental fitness is equally crucial, especially in the entertainment industry. How do you maintain your mental strength?

Taniya Chatterjee: Mental fitness is extremely important in our industry. I always remind myself that I have to give my best and become the best version of myself.

Whenever I stand in front of the mirror, I remember the promise I made to my parents when I came to Mumbai to fulfil my dreams. I tell myself, “Taniya, you made a promise to your mother and father. You have to fulfil that dream.”

Whatever is happening around you, you should not allow it to distract you. Work on yourself, work on your mind, protect your peace and continue working hard. I believe God is watching, and He will give you the results of your efforts at the right time.

CineBuster: Can you tell us something about your upcoming projects?

Taniya Chatterjee: I do have a few projects lined up, but I don’t want to reveal anything right now. Let’s keep it a surprise. Everything will be revealed gradually, and that will be more exciting. I will definitely share the details before the release.

CineBuster: Finally, what would you like to say to your fans about the song?

Taniya Chatterjee: I would simply say, please watch the song and give it your love. We have worked very hard on it, and I had a wonderful experience working with Pushkar and Nakash Aziz. I hope the audience enjoys the chemistry, energy and madness that we have brought to the screen.

By Keerti Kadam