Rising Stars: Meet Nikki Randhawa of Orange County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Randhawa.

Hi Nikki, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In my last interview, I shared how my passion for acting began when I was five years old, after watching trailers for Pirates of the Caribbean – At World’s End. Even though I wasn’t allowed to watch the movies at the time, I became fascinated by the idea that one person—like Johnny Depp—could transform into a completely different character. That curiosity led me to acting classes, an agent, and eventually participating in short films and projects throughout high school and college. Acting has always been my way of connecting with people and exploring different sides of humanity.

Since then, my journey has evolved. Over the past few years, I’ve been acting and modeling, appearing in various short and indie films as well as a Bollywood movie. Recently, I’ve been shifting my focus to include modeling more seriously. I’ve seen Target ads and Ulta displays and often think, one day, that will be me. I’m especially passionate about getting into petite modeling and showing that height or size doesn’t define your potential—you can still achieve your dreams.

My ultimate dream is to play a lead role in a Hallmark/Netflix Christmas movie. Whether it’s through acting or modeling, my goal is to continue telling stories, inspiring others, and representing those who might not always see themselves reflected in this industry.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. During and after the actors’ strike, things slowed down a lot for me, so I ended up taking a bit of a break. On top of that, being a full-time university student has made balancing auditions pretty challenging. There have been plenty of times I’ve had to film self-tapes between classes, late at night, or even during finals week. It can be tough because I know I’m capable of giving more when I’m not juggling so much at once. But those moments have also taught me discipline, time management, and how to keep going even when things aren’t perfectly lined up.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would say I’m most proud of my resilience. Whether it’s posting TikToks, submitting auditions, or showing up to casting calls, it takes a lot of persistence to keep going—especially when things don’t always go as planned. But I’ve learned that consistency and belief in yourself really do pay off.

In terms of what sets me apart, I think there are a few things. In my acting career, I’ve always had a natural ability to observe and pick up on people’s behaviors and mannerisms. That helps me bring a real sense of authenticity and relatability to the characters I play—it’s something I’ve always been told makes my performances feel genuine.

When it comes to content creation, I think my authenticity stands out the most. I’m comfortable being myself on camera, and I genuinely want my audience to feel inspired and understood. I didn’t always see myself as someone who would post content online, but over time I’ve become more confident in sharing my voice. Now, I’m focused on building a platform centered around self-development and motivating others to go after their dreams.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was actually really shy growing up. But even though I was quiet, I was always creative. I used to make little videos on my Nintendo DS and edit them on iMovie just for fun—that’s honestly where my love for creating started. Whenever I was acting, modeling, or making those videos, I felt like I could truly be myself.
I was also obsessed with shows like Hannah Montana and other movies where kids were chasing their artistic dreams. Watching that every day made me want to do the same and showed me that it’s possible to turn creativity into something real. That’s why I’m now leaning more into content creation on YouTube and TikTok—it feels like coming full circle from where it all began.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://writetonikki1.wixsite.com/my-site-6
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randhawanikki/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Randhawanikki
• Other: Actors Access: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/1043718-2938168

Image Credits
Headshot: DEIDHRA FAHEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Digitals: Alana Burke Colville