Priya Malik: I want to create art that stays with people long after the applause fades

Actress-poet Priya Malik, who is busy with poetry performances and live shows, speaks about her goals for 2026 and the values guiding her creative choices. The former Bigg Boss contestant says the year is less about expansion and more about alignment.“For me, 2026 isn’t about becoming more; it’s about becoming truer,” she says, adding, “I want my work to feel deeper, not louder. I want to create art that stays with people long after the applause fades. My goal is to keep choosing projects that align with who I am becoming, not just who the world expects me to be. Professionally, I want sustainability over speed, and personally, I want presence over pressure. In today’s fast-paced life, one has to strike the right balance.”Priya is clear about how she defines success. She says, “If I had to choose one, it would be impact, even though it’s not on the list. Name, fame and money are by-products. They come and go, but impact stays. If my words can make someone feel seen, braver or less alone, that’s success for me. Everything else only has value if it supports that purpose.”She also stresses the importance of health, something she says is often overlooked in demanding careers. She says, “I’ve learnt this the hard way. Health is not something you fit into life later. It is the foundation that holds everything else up,. Burnout is not a badge of honour, and exhaustion is not ambition. When I take care of my body and mind, my work becomes more honest, my choices clearer and my life gentler. Health isn’t a pause from success; it’s what makes success sustainable.”Sharing advice drawn from her own experiences, Priya adds, “Please don’t try to replicate someone else’s journey. Create your own rhythm. Be patient with growth, ruthless with self-doubt and loyal to your voice. Consistency matters more than talent, and kindness towards yourself and others will take you further than cleverness ever will. No achievement is worth losing yourself over. If I had to give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be this: don’t let anyone else tell your story. You narrate it yourself.”