The actor opens up about her journey, passions, and finding love in life, work, and everything in between.
“I’m that girl you’ve seen somewhere, but can’t remember where.” Wamiqa Gabbi’s Instagram bio is both amusing and intriguing—an apt reflection of an actor whose journey has been as eclectic as her roles. From playing Niloufer Qureshi, a captivating courtesan in the Amazon Prime series Jubilee, to shining alongside stars like Tovino Thomas in the Malayalam film Godha, Wamiqa has quietly carved a niche in Indian cinema, traversing multiple industries and languages.
When I caught up with the 31-year-old actor, she was every bit as thoughtful and spirited as her roles suggest. “People would often tell me, ‘I’ve seen you somewhere, but can’t remember where,’” she shared with a laugh, reflecting on the bio that encapsulates her slow-burn journey to recognition. Starting as a child artist in Punjabi cinema, Wamiqa has since worked in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, earning admiration for her nuanced performances and dedication.
A Journey Worth Every Step
For Wamiqa, the path to stardom wasn’t a sprint but a marathon—and she’s grateful for that. “I don’t regret anything in life. The way my career unfolded taught me so much. If success had come earlier, I wouldn’t have been mature enough to handle it,” she mused. “I’m like an expensive dum biryani—it takes time to cook, but once it’s ready, you can’t stop raving about it!”
Despite over a decade in Mumbai, Wamiqa admits it took her time to feel at home in the industry. “For years, I kept cribbing about things I didn’t have. But then I realized—I’ve already arrived. I just didn’t notice it at first,” she said, recalling the shift in mindset that brought her newfound confidence.
The Craft and the Characters
From Jubilee to her upcoming projects with cinematic stalwarts like Vishal Bhardwaj, Raj & DK, and Atlee, Wamiqa’s choices reflect her love for storytelling. “I listen to narrations, and if a script takes me to a new world, I say yes. I don’t find simple stories exciting. I’m drawn to projects that are slightly unbelievable—ones that make me think, ‘This is going to be fun!’”
Her collaboration with Bhardwaj has been particularly transformative. “I’ve worked on four back-to-back projects with him. It’s surreal to work with people I grew up admiring,” she said.
Empathy, Ego, and Staying Grounded
For Wamiqa, success isn’t just about accolades—it’s about the relationships and values that keep her grounded. “I’ve read that you need to wake up every day and kill your ego. I make a conscious effort to stay humble and empathetic. My family, friends, and team keep me in check,” she explained.
This empathy extends to her interactions with social media trolls. “I feel bad for people who spread negativity—they must be deeply troubled. I’ve learned not to let such things affect me,” she said, adding that stricter regulations on online platforms could help combat bullying and trolling.
A Love for Animals and a Dream for Change
If there’s one thing that defines Wamiqa beyond her craft, it’s her love for animals. A devoted vegetarian on the verge of turning vegan, she is passionate about animal welfare. “I dream of creating a space where I can rescue and care for street animals while educating people about veganism,” she shared.
Her love for her four dogs, particularly Gabbar, a rescued street Pomeranian, is palpable. “Gabbar is my favorite,” she admitted with a laugh, “but I hope the others don’t find out!”
The Premiqa Persona: A Manifestation of Love
After the pandemic, Wamiqa redefined her outlook on life. Inspired by the track Premika Ne Pyar Se, she embraced her online alter ego, Premiqa, as a symbol of the love she hopes to embody and share. “When I’m 70, I want people to remember me for the love I gave and the joy I spread,” she said.
Looking Ahead
With a slew of upcoming projects, including Rakt Bramhand–The Bloody Kingdom with Raj & DK, Bhul Chuk Maaf alongside RajKummar Rao, and Atlee’s production Baby John, Wamiqa is living her dream. “I never imagined working with such incredible creators. It’s surreal,” she said.
But for Wamiqa, true success lies in giving back. “Everything I’m doing now is for myself. But when I achieve something for animals—create stricter laws, rescue more lives—that’s when I’ll feel I’ve truly made it,” she concluded, embodying the heart and soul of Premiqa.
Wamiqa Gabbi’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. As she continues to win hearts on and off-screen, her journey reminds us that success isn’t just about where you go, but how you make others feel along the way.
