Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia on 'Ab Hoga Hisaab': Why playing a Punjabi kudi felt like freedom
Synopsis
Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia says playing a Punjabi kudi in 'Ab Hoga Hisaab' was less about acting and more about being herself — the cultural familiarity of shooting in Punjab, a fellow-Punjabi co-star in Sanjay Kapoor, and locals sending homemade dabbas to the set made it one of her most personally resonant projects.
Key Takeaways
Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia stars in 'Ab Hoga Hisaab' , shot on location in Punjab .
Being Punjabi herself, Nimrit says she felt an immediate connection with the character, setting, and language.
She credits the role's creative freedom to not having to adapt to an unfamiliar environment.
Actor Sanjay Kapoor , also Punjabi, co-stars in the series; Nimrit described their shared camaraderie as a highlight.
Local families in Punjab reportedly sent homemade meals for the cast and crew during the shoot.
Actress Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia has opened up about how playing a Punjabi girl in her latest series 'Ab Hoga Hisaab' felt less like a performance and more like a homecoming — one that gave her an uncommon sense of creative freedom on set.
A Role That Felt Personal
For Nimrit, who is Punjabi herself, stepping into the character meant drawing from lived experience rather than studied preparation. 'Ab Hoga Hisaab' was shot on location in Punjab, and the actress says the cultural familiarity translated directly into her work.
'Shooting in Punjab for Ab Hoga Hisaab was much more than just another project for me. Being a Punjabi myself, there was an immediate connection with the setting, the people, the language, and the emotions of the character,' she said.
'From the very first day, I felt like I was home. There is a certain comfort that comes when you're surrounded by things that are so familiar to you, and that reflected in my performance as well,' she added.
Freedom to Stay Present
Nimrit described the role as liberating precisely because it required no conscious adaptation. Rather than adjusting to an unfamiliar environment, she could direct all her energy toward the character's inner journey.
'Playing a Punjabi kudi gave me a sense of freedom because I didn't have to consciously adapt to the environment — I could simply be present in the moment and focus on the character's journey,' she said.
Direction and On-Set Atmosphere
The actress credited her director for creating conditions that made emotionally demanding work feel manageable. She noted that the collaborative atmosphere on set was central to the shoot's success.
'He ensured that everyone felt comfortable and secure on set, which is extremely important when you're working on an emotionally demanding story. There was a genuine sense of collaboration, and that made every day of shooting smooth and fulfilling,' she said.
Camaraderie With Sanjay Kapoor
Sharing the set with actor Sanjay Kapoor — also Punjabi — added another layer of ease to the experience. Nimrit described the dynamic as one that spilled naturally from off-screen warmth into their on-screen relationship.
'Having a fellow Punjabi on set felt like icing on the cake. We shared many conversations, laughs, and memories during the shoot, and that camaraderie reflected in our working relationship as well,' she said.
The Warmth of Local Communities
Beyond the professional experience, Nimrit said she will carry memories of the generosity shown by locals throughout the shoot. Families in the region reportedly sent homemade meals for the cast and crew — gestures she described as deeply moving.
'Those meals carried the warmth of home, and it made us feel like we were part of the community rather than visitors shooting a show. Experiences like these stay with you long after the project is over,' she said.
As 'Ab Hoga Hisaab' reaches audiences, Nimrit says what she will remember most is not just the work, but the kindness and hospitality that surrounded it throughout the journey.
Point of View
But more instinctive. The industry's broader tendency to cast actors across regional identities without that grounding often produces technically competent but emotionally distant work. What makes the 'Ab Hoga Hisaab' account notable is the specificity: it isn't just about language familiarity, but about the freedom that comes from not having to perform cultural belonging. That distinction is worth watching as Indian streaming platforms increasingly greenlight regionally rooted stories.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Ab Hoga Hisaab' and who stars in it?
'Ab Hoga Hisaab' is a series starring Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia and Sanjay Kapoor, shot on location in Punjab. The show features Nimrit playing a Punjabi girl, a role she has described as one of her most personally connected performances.
Why did Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia feel a sense of freedom playing a Punjabi role?
Nimrit, who is Punjabi herself, said she did not have to consciously adapt to the cultural environment during the shoot, which allowed her to stay present and focus entirely on the character's journey rather than external adjustments.
What was Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia's experience shooting in Punjab?
Nimrit described the Punjab shoot as feeling like home from the first day. She highlighted the collaborative atmosphere created by the director, her camaraderie with co-star Sanjay Kapoor, and the warmth of local communities who sent homemade meals to the cast and crew.
How did Sanjay Kapoor contribute to the on-set experience?
Nimrit said having a fellow Punjabi co-star in Sanjay Kapoor felt like 'icing on the cake.' Their shared cultural background led to easy conversations and a natural camaraderie that she says also reflected in their on-screen dynamic.
What stood out most to Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia about the 'Ab Hoga Hisaab' shoot?
Beyond the professional work, Nimrit said she will most remember the generosity of local families who sent homemade meals for the crew. She described these gestures as making the team feel like part of the community rather than outsiders on a shoot.
