Sumbul Touqeer on 'Imlie' journey: 'I've seen the bad, better, and good'
Synopsis
Sumbul Touqeer's candid admission that success 'was not easy' cuts through the usual celebrity gloss — she maps a career that began on dance reality shows, weathered visible lows, and now spans multiple leading roles. Her sharp take on how audiences blur the line between actor and character is the most revealing moment of the interview.
Key Takeaways
Sumbul Touqeer began her career on dance reality shows before transitioning to acting in television fiction.
She is best known for her role in 'Imlie' and is currently part of the ongoing show 'Itti Si Khushi' .
Sumbul acknowledged her path was difficult, saying she has ‘seen the bad, the better, and the good.’ She noted that audiences often expect protagonists to mirror their on-screen moral goodness in real life, while antagonists tend to attract personal hostility.
Her television credits also include 'Kavya — Ek Jazbaa' and 'Ek Junoon' .
TV actress Sumbul Touqeer, best known for her breakout role in the popular show 'Imlie', has opened up about her evolution in the Indian television industry — from dance reality show contestant to a leading face of prime-time fiction.
From Dance Floors to the Camera
Sumbul revealed that acting was always her core ambition, even as her career began on reality dance shows. “I always wanted to be an actor. Though my journey in the industry started with dance reality shows, I always wanted to face the camera, and things worked out well for me,” she said. The transition, she noted, was neither instant nor smooth, but ultimately shaped her craft.
The Honest Account of Struggle
Speaking candidly about the highs and lows of her career, Sumbul did not shy away from acknowledging difficulty. “Of course it was not easy. I have seen the bad, the better, and the good — all three — but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said. She credited each phase — including early, lesser-noticed projects — with building the resilience and range she brings to her current work.
On Playing Characters and Audience Perception
Sumbul reflected on the blurring of lines between actor and role when a character deeply resonates with viewers. “When you play a character and it resonates with the audience, the line between the character and actor can sometimes blur. But I feel when the audience reacts strongly to your character, it means a job well done,” she said. She added that she is proud of every character she has portrayed and is eager to explore more complex roles.
On how audiences perceive protagonists versus antagonists, she offered a sharp observation: “If an actor plays a protagonist, the audience expects them to be morally good, selfless, and patient in real life too. As for an antagonist, I believe they do receive some hate — the audience views them as the one planning and plotting and doing everything wrong in real life too.”
Current Work and What's Ahead
Sumbul is currently part of the ongoing show 'Itti Si Khushi', adding to a television filmography that includes 'Imlie', 'Kavya — Ek Jazbaa', and 'Ek Junoon'. “From the early shows that I did to my ongoing one, Itti Si Khushi, I love to bring different characters to life for the audience,” she said. With her appetite for varied roles evident, the actress signalled that her most ambitious work may still be ahead.
Point of View
The willingness to publicly claim the 'bad' alongside the 'good' is a calculated but credible positioning move. Whether 'Itti Si Khushi' delivers the breakout moment her career arc is building toward remains the open question.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sumbul Touqeer?
Sumbul Touqeer is an Indian television actress best known for her lead role in the popular show 'Imlie.' She began her career on dance reality shows before transitioning to acting, and is currently starring in the ongoing series 'Itti Si Khushi.'
What shows has Sumbul Touqeer appeared in?
Sumbul Touqeer's television credits include 'Imlie,' 'Kavya — Ek Jazbaa,' 'Ek Junoon,' and her current show 'Itti Si Khushi,' among others.
What did Sumbul Touqeer say about her struggles in the industry?
She said her journey was filled with ups and downs, stating: 'I have seen the bad, the better, and the good — all three — but I wouldn't have it any other way.' She credited those experiences with strengthening her passion for acting.
What does Sumbul Touqeer think about audience perception of actors?
She observed that audiences often expect actors who play protagonists to be morally good in real life as well, while actors who play antagonists tend to receive personal hostility from viewers who conflate the character's actions with the actor's real personality.
What is Sumbul Touqeer currently working on?
Sumbul Touqeer is currently starring in the television show 'Itti Si Khushi.' She has expressed enthusiasm for continuing to explore diverse characters in future projects.
