Shruti Sinha on manifesting a Karan Johar moment in her career

She danced, she conquered, and somewhere along the way, she became the main character. From surviving reality show drama (Roadies Xtreme, Splitsvilla, Ace of Space) to leading a five-season-long web series, Shruti Sinha’s journey has been anything but predictable. A trained kathak dancer who also dabbles in jazz, ballet, pole dancing, and a bit of hip-hop when the script calls for it, Shruti blends talent with hustle in a way that’s impossible to ignore.

But it was Campus Beats that really brought it all together. Acting, dancing, drama, and yes—some serious emotional range. In a chat with Cosmopolitan India, Shruti opens up about her love-hate relationship with reality TV, the unexpected lessons she’s picked up along the way, and the Dharma dream she’s still manifesting hard.

Cosmopolitan India: You’ve done it all—from Splitsvilla and Roadies Xtreme to Ace of Space and leading Campus Beats. What’s been the most fun, and what’s pushed you the most?

Shruti Sinha: It’s hard to choose, but Roadies was definitely the most fun. But I really wanted to be a part of Campus Beats—it had everything: acting, dancing, performing. It was my dream role. Reality shows are all about tasks and winning, but Campus Beats really pushed me. At one point, I was injured but had to dance without letting any pain show on my face. That’s when I realised it’s all in the mind. It’s a lesson I carry with me to this day.

CI: After multiple reality shows, what’s your take on the format? How “real” is reality TV?

SS: It’s honestly more manipulated than scripted shows. There are teams who plan how to keep popular contestants in the game, or how to twist situations for drama. The people are real, but the storylines are shaped for maximum impact. We do what we have to do.

CI: Campus Beats has had an impressive five-season run. How has that journey changed you?

SS: So much. Palki Malhotra saw an old audition clip of mine and reached out on Instagram. I was so excited, I would’ve done the show for free! I auditioned multiple times—even did 50 takes with different hairstyles. There was a mock shoot with Shantanu Maheshwari, and I remember the green room—other girls were discussing different ways to do the scene, but I only saw it one way. I fumbled from the stress, but Shantanu was really sweet and asked if I wanted to try again. The director told me I had understood the assignment—the character needed to be like that. A few tweaks later, it all clicked.

Netra and I are very different. In the beginning, I found it hard to relate to her. My acting coach told me, “Never judge your character,” so I looked for common ground. We’re both extremely passionate. Over time, I became her. I used to avoid confrontation, but thanks to playing Netra, I now speak up when something doesn’t sit right with me.

CI: Dance has clearly played a huge role in your life. Does it influence the kind of work you pick?

SS: Not directly. Being a trained dancer definitely helps, and it’s a bonus if the role involves dance. I’ve learned kathak for 14 years, and trained in jazz and ballet for eight. I even picked up pole dancing. Hip-hop wasn’t my style at all, but I learned it for the show. Dance will always be part of me, but I don’t want to limit myself to dance-based roles.

CI: From high-energy reality shows to scripted OTT drama—how did that transition happen?

SS: I actually started out with acting, but after getting into reality shows, I got used to the fame and the income from social media. I took a break from acting because I didn’t want to do small, forgettable parts. But in 2022, I hit a low. I came to Mumbai to act—not just post content. So I stopped accepting influencer gigs, went back to workshops, and focused on auditions. That’s when Campus Beats happened. And I knew—I was back where I belonged.

CI: What kind of roles are you hoping for next? Any dream projects?

SS: I’ve signed films that didn’t work out—one got shelved, another one was re-shot with a different cast. Once, I was even told I didn’t get a role because I was “too fair.” But I’m still hopeful.

Since I was a child, I’ve been a huge Karan Johar fan. I’ve always dreamt of playing a ‘Naina’ in a Dharma film. Whether it’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, or even Jugjugg Jeeyo, there’s always a Naina. The next one should be me. It’s been a dream for as long as I can remember—and I’m still manifesting it.

All images: shrutisinhahaha | Instagram

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