Nikita Anand, actress, model and television presenter, shares her secrets to success

From winning Miss India Universe in 2003 to making her Bollywood debut in ‘Dil Dosti Etc’, Nikita Anand has worn many hats with grace and determination. A model, actress and television presenter, she is now the founder of the Nikita Anand Performance Studio, where she mentors young aspirants. In this candid conversation with QNA India, she reflects on her journey, lessons learned, and what continues to inspire her.

You won the Miss India Universe title in 2003 after a string of early wins, starting with Miss Ranchi at just 13. What first inspired you to step into the world of pageants at such a young age?

Nikita Anand: Growing up, I would participate in and win many local competitions. This strengthened my stage presence and confidence, and it naturally progressed to beauty pageants.

What stands out most from your experience at Miss India Universe, and what did that achievement mean to you personally and professionally?

Nikita Anand: The night I won the Miss India Universe pageant will forever be etched in my memory. I had an unshakeable feeling and conviction that this night was mine for the taking. Personally, it was a stamp of my confidence, and professionally, it instantly opened the doors of television presenting in sports, lifestyle and films.

As the founder of the Nikita Anand Performance Studio, you now mentor pageant aspirants. What motivated you to establish the studio, and how does your own journey give you a unique edge as a coach?

Nikita Anand: Since I have the necessary stage experience required for both beauty pageants as well as presenting, I wanted to extend it to aspirants seeking guidance. Sometimes, all it takes is minor tweaks to change the game.

After Miss India, you hosted several television shows, including sports programmes like Cup Tak and NASCAR. What did you enjoy most about anchoring, and in what ways did it challenge you differently from modelling?

Nikita Anand: Having trained in elocution, speech and drama, I always knew that presenting and communication are my assets. Thus, Q&A rounds of beauty pageants were never daunting for me. I was a professional model even before I won the Miss India Universe title, but knowing my penchant for presenting, TV presenting and anchoring were a natural progression.

Looking back at your time presenting sports and lifestyle shows, how do you think the Indian media scene has evolved?

Nikita Anand: It has definitely become more expansive. With a burst of OTT platforms and channels, there is no dearth of content. But while that implies more diversity, it also runs the risk of congestion.

In 2007, you made your Bollywood debut with ‘Dil Dosti Etc’. What attracted you to that role, and how did your experience in films shape your perspective compared to television?

Nikita Anand: ‘Dil Dosti Etc’ was a light-hearted youth-centric film set against a college backdrop. I have always enjoyed storytelling, and I feel there is no better medium of storytelling than through emotions and films.

How influential has your family been in the career decisions you’ve made along the way?

Nikita Anand: My mother, Venita Anand, has been my biggest support. She’s the wind beneath my wings. She’s always reminded me that there are no ceilings, only horizons.

From being an army kid and a NIFT graduate to excelling as a model, presenter, actress and mentor, your path has been remarkably diverse. How have these different experiences complemented one another?

Nikita Anand: I feel they are different facets of my personality, and they naturally weave into one another. They are all inherently connected to enhancing personality, performance and presentation.

With so many pursuits, how do you balance your time and decide where to focus your energy?

Nikita Anand: For me, fluidity is important. I rely on my intuition and the facets I feel need more time and attention at that moment.

What advice would you give young women who admire you and dream of building careers in modelling, acting or presenting?

Nikita Anand: That the sky is the limit! It’s a fantastic career path if you have the required talent and skill set. Passion with perseverance can take you further than you ever imagined.

Finally, what can your audience look forward to from you in the near future?

Nikita Anand: Television and live presenting. It is my first love, and it brings me unbridled joy. So does astrology. In addition to being a presenter and actor, I am also a practising Vedic astrologer.