Harleen Kaur Reikhi: It’s important to move with the trend but not lose our roots

Harleen Kaur Reikhi, who has been a part of shows like Binddii and Kaamdhenu Gaumata, believes that the industry has always been volatile and unpredictable. However, she insisted that content should be created while keeping current trends in mind.

She said, "The industry has always been volatile, and I think unpredictability is part of its nature. With changing trends, we also need to understand what the audience is enjoying at a particular time. Today, Gen Z–driven content is working very well, and at the same time, audiences are reconnecting with spiritual, traditional, and mythological stories. I feel it’s important to move with the trend but not lose our roots."

She insisted that the artists and makers should always aim to bring something new to the market. She said, "Something that helps the industry grow—while staying true to meaningful storytelling. Content shouldn’t just chase numbers; it should leave an impact. That balance is what will keep the industry evolving in a healthy way."

Harleen feels one major issue that the industry is dealing with currently is the growing obsession with followers. She said, "I’m not against influencers—they work hard too—but casting should be content-driven, not follower-driven. If someone is being cast purely for their social media reach, then don’t label it as an acting opportunity. I’ve seen many brilliant actors who are not tech-savvy or comfortable making reels all the time, and they shouldn’t be sidelined because of that."

"Another concern is availability and professionalism. Actors are often expected to be available at all times, even when shoot dates keep getting postponed. If an actor expresses discomfort or unavailability, they are sometimes quietly blacklisted. I’ve seen talented friends being ignored simply because they took a stand. Stability will come only when responsibility is mutual and respect flows both ways," she added.

Asked about the content she would like to be a part of, she said, "I would really love to be part of a thriller or action film or series. Playing a spy on screen is something I deeply aspire to—it excites me because such roles demand both physical and emotional depth. I also have a strong desire to perform classical dance, especially Kathak, on screen."

"And of course, if I ever get a chance to be directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, that would be a dream come true. When it comes to watching content, I prefer both Hindi and English shows and films. I’m not a hardcore binge-watcher, but whenever I get time, I like to watch action, thrillers, and spy-based content—stories that engage the mind and make you think," Harleen ended.