Saloni Daini, who captured our imagination as the 8-year-old rib tickling wonder in Comedy Circus Mahasangram alongside Kapil Sharma and Krushna Abhishek, is all grown up now and coming in a web series called Medical Dreams. She opens up to us about how she started off at such a young age, her weight loss journey, working with Shah Rukh Khan, Kapil Sharma and more .Excerpts:
Q. How did your foray into the world of entertainment take place?
A. I never really planned to take this route or become a stand-up comedian. It just happened. I was a really talkative and funny kid; I used to mimic people around me. There was this TV serial called Gangubai Non-Matric, and I was obsessed with the main character. I used to imitate her and roam around my building, fully in character.
Saloni Daini in Comedy Circus Mahasangram |
One day, my dad’s friend called us and told us about a kids’ comedy show happening, it was the first-ever comedy show for kids in India, on Colors Channel. He suggested I give it a shot and audition. We had no idea it was a stand-up show, but we went to Mumbai anyway. At the audition, I did 2-3 lines as Gangubai, and they really liked it. That’s how I got selected for Chhote Miyan.
At the time, we thought I’d do a couple of episodes and then head back to Pune, like a quick Christmas vacation. But I ended up winning the show, and then I won another season too, called Chhote Miyan Bade Miyan. And that’s how my journey in the entertainment industry started.
And now, this is the only thing I want to do. I can’t imagine myself in any other career because this is my happy place, and I want to explore every part of it.
Saloni Daini in Comedy Circus Mahasangram |
Q. How did Comedy Circus Mahasangram happen?
A. Comedy Circus happened after Chhote Miyan and Chhote Miyan Bade Miyan. It was a completely different experience for me because I was the only kid there. Everyone else was a big comedian like Kapil Sharma, Krushna Abhishek, and others. But I genuinely loved it and got to learn so much from them. I ended up doing seven seasons of Comedy Circus before taking a break from acting and comedy to focus on my studies.
Looking back, I think that was the phase where I learned the most about comedy, TV, and acting. Every day, someone would teach me something new, whether it was how to play different characters, mimic voices, or nail the timing.
Q. And Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?
A. That happened before my foray in the TV industry. It was a promo shoot with Shah Rukh Sir, and it was my first time on television. I still remember how my entire family and even my neighbors, hopped into a car and drove from Pune to Mumbai just for that one evening shoot. I also remember the dialogue he had with me and there was a moment where he had to kiss my hand. That’s still one of the most special memories I have with Shah Rukh Sir.
Saloni Daini in Comedy Circus Mahasangram |
Q. What prompted your weight loss journey?
A. I’ve always been a chubby kid and a big time foodie. Food will always be my first love. But during the lockdown, I hit my highest weight—83 kgs. I started having some health issues, and I just didn’t like how limited I felt. I couldn’t play sports or do a lot of things I enjoyed, that really bothered me.
There was this one moment during lockdown where I was just sitting and talking to myself, and I decided this is it. It’s time to lose weight. In a way, lockdown actually helped me with my weight loss journey because I couldn’t go out and eat junk. I was stuck at home for 3-4 months, and during that time, I focused on my health and worked out consistently. That’s how my fitness journey started.
Q. Tell us about Medical Dreams and your role in it
A. Medical Dreams is all about students preparing for their NEET exams who move to Kota to chase their goals. It’s not just about the ones who have everything figured out, it’s also about those who are confused and trying to find their way. The series dives into the lives of all kinds of students, some who are super studious, some who struggle with academics, and others who can’t follow their dreams.
I play the character of Saroj, who knows exactly what she wants – go to Kota, pursue medicine, and become a doctor. She has no interest in getting married or staying in her village. But her parents say no and crush her dream. She then goes to her best friend and tells her that she now has to go to Kota and study to fulfill both their dreams. Saroj is a very giving person. She accepts the reality and tries to face whatever challenges come her way.
Q. Did you discover facets of NEET you weren’t aware of before while shooting the show?
A. I got to learn so much about NEET and Kota. When I first landed there, I was honestly surprised to see these massive commercial buildings, mostly coaching centres like Allen and other big competitive classes. That’s when I realized how intense the competition really is. I found out that some students literally spend entire days and nights in the library. Some even bring their blankets and bedding to study there. I also learned that a lot of women can’t leave their villages to follow their dreams because of family pressure and the constant push to get married. So many of them never even get the chance.
Q. Tell us about your future projects?
A. Right now, I’m auditioning for a few projects. My main goal right now is to work on myself, focus on my body, learn new things, explore different genres of acting, and just keep growing and getting better at what I do. I’m also constantly creating content on Instagram, where I play different characters and I really have fun doing that.
