There’s an air of confidence in Palak Tiwari that’s hard to miss. She may be TV star Shweta Tiwari’s daughter, but in the last few years, the young actress has made her mark in the entertainment industry with her projects.
Be it Harrdy Sandhu’s music video, ‘Bijlee Bijlee’ (2021), in which she nailed the superwoman act, or her film debut with Salman Khan ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’ (2023), Tiwari seems to be one to not shy away from experimenting.
“That’s true. I do enjoy trying new things. When something catches my attention, I want to experience it in every way. But I only get experimental when I am comfortable with something I love. For instance, I feel so involved in the world of cinema and love it so much that I want to do different roles,” says Tiwari.
Going back in time, she recalls her experience working with the stellar team of ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi ki Jaan’. It was nothing short of educational, albeit with challenges. “I think it was a little daunting that I was entering this field with veterans like Daggubati (Venkatesh) and Ram Charan. Pooja (Hegde) is marvellous; there was also Jassie (Gill) and Shehnaaz (Gill) who are so good at what they do,” she says.
“But I also had Vinali (Bhatnagar) with me, who is relatively new. All in all, the set felt like home, thanks to the ensemble cast. I was a little worried I might get lost in this sea of talented people, but it was great working with this team,” adds Tiwari.
Although she’s still finding her feet in the industry, there are people who constantly compare her with her mother, Shweta Tiwari. Does that seem unfair to her?
“I wouldn’t say that. I understand where people are coming from. Initially, I felt it was a little unfair when they couldn’t see that I was working hard. As I get older, I am aware that there are some people who are working doubly hard yet do not get the recognition they deserve,” she says.
Tiwari, in fact, believes that her mother’s success brought her attention even before she made it to the movies. “It’s an industry where most people are invisible. In that case, it’s a huge advantage to be known. The kind of love and appreciation my mom has garnered over the years makes them treat me much better. I think they hope to see a bit of my mom in me, and frankly, I hope to see a lot of my mom in myself,” she says.
“I am flattered by the comparisons with my mother. She’s the biggest superstar in my eyes, but I also request people to give me a few more years to establish myself and find my unique voice,” Tiwari says.
Besides her acting projects, Tiwari is also known for her sartorial choices. Her recent outing in a flaming red mini dress from Limoncello became a sensation on social media. She completed this sexy look with a pair of gold faux leather sandals and a Burberry Lola Vintage-check bouclé shoulder bag. Another much talked about appearance was a Shivan & Narresh CryMesh Confetti mini dress with multicoloured three-dimensional skein work embellishments.
Does this versatility in fashion also show up in her personal style? “If I am being overly critical of myself, I would say my style is that of an intern in the early 2000s in New York. But yes, I try to balance my silhouettes. One may be feminine while the other may be a complete contrast,” she says.
“The looks that people have created for me onscreen contradicts how I dress in real life. Even if I am wearing a corset or something fitted, I will pair it with baggy jeans that may seem straight out of my grandfather’s closet,” she laughs.
Tiwari also made headlines recently for being the first Indian brand ambassador of K-beauty major Etude. A self-confessed makeup and skincare lover, she is over the moon about landing this opportunity. “Being part of a brand that empowers people to embrace their uniqueness is incredibly exciting,” she says. “If I had to choose a luxury purchase I can’t live without, I would say my skincare. But my skin needs what it needs.” Her love for skincare aside, she isn’t one to go overboard with luxury purchases.
With so much happening behind the scenes in Tiwari’s life, the audience is excited about her next move. What should they look forward to? “’The Virgin Tree’ is something I am beyond thrilled over. I don’t want to say too much about it yet, but I am really proud of the film and everyone who has been a part of it. It’s a truly funny, sweet, heartwarming, and scary film. It’s a movie made with a lot of heart,” Tiwari says.
But Tiwari’s clear about not making rash decisions. Instead, she’s currently contemplating the next steps she must take in her career. “I am deciding what kind of films I want to do because your initial choices shape your career. I am doing good work, and I have some exciting collaborations. Here’s to the best of me in 2024 and 2025.”
ELLE India Editor: Ainee Nizami Ahmedi; Photographer: Neha Chandrakant; Styling: Jainee Bheda; Words by: Geetika Sachdev; Hair: Rahul Sharma; Makeup: Ankita Varkhade; Bookings Coordinator: Anushka Patil; Production: Cut Loose Productions; Artist’s Reputation Management: Think Talkies
