Dancer-actress Lauren Gottlieb has publicly expressed her support for Apoorva Makhija, widely known as Rebel Kid, following Makhija's decision to relocate to New York and pursue a fresh chapter in her life and career. Gottlieb, celebrated for her roles in the ABCD franchise and hit tracks including 'Tattoo', 'Mercy', and 'Dance Like', drew on her own parallel experience to explain why the move resonated so deeply with her.

A Shared Journey

In 2017, Gottlieb made a strikingly similar leap — leaving behind an established career in India to enrol in acting school in New York and explore dimensions of herself beyond the stage. She described the decision as one born from clarity, not crisis. 'Growing up, all I wanted was to become a world-recognised dancer, actor, performer and entrepreneur. I wanted to make it on the biggest stage possible, and eventually I was living that dream,' she said. 'But after years of working nonstop, I realised I had built this incredible career without really building a life outside of it. I didn't even know who I was without my work.'

What She Said About Rebel Kid

Gottlieb was unequivocal in her admiration for Makhija's choice. 'And especially to hear how eloquently she's spoken about it. So many people can relate to knowing there's more of yourself, and more of life, you want to explore. It takes courage to actually follow that instinct, and I give her two very big thumbs up for trusting herself and going for it,' she said. The sentiment reflects a broader conversation in the Indian entertainment industry about burnout, identity, and the courage required to pause at the peak.

On Listening to the Heart

Gottlieb also offered a broader reflection that speaks to anyone navigating a crossroads. 'When your heart is pulling you toward something, you have to be brave enough to listen. What's meant for you isn't going to disappear just because you took the time to grow,' she said. She added that walking away when everything is going well demands 'tremendous faith in yourself' — and the trust that one can return as 'an even more evolved version' of oneself.

Lauren Gottlieb's Career in Brief

Gottlieb made her Bollywood debut in 2013 and went on to finish as runner-up on the sixth season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, partnering with choreographer Punit Pathak. She later served as a judge on the show's eighth season. In 2016, she expanded into Punjabi cinema with Ambarsariya. Her most recent screen appearance was in the 2025 film Single Salma, alongside Huma Qureshi, Sunny Singh, and Shreyas Talpade.

As Rebel Kid charts her own course in New York, Gottlieb's words suggest that stepping back from the spotlight — far from being a retreat — can be the most deliberate career move of all.