Hailing from the small city of Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, Neha Baniya’s life story is a testament to following one’s passion, regardless of the odds. From a young age, Neha harbored a deep love for acting, and in 2014, her childhood dream took its first step toward reality.
It all began one ordinary morning on April 20, 2014. Neha’s mother, while reading the newspaper, came across an announcement for an acting audition. Without hesitation, Neha decided to try her luck. Walking into the audition, she saw people reading scripts, immersing themselves in the process, and soon, she found herself doing the same. Despite it being her first audition, Neha’s dedication and passion shone through. A few days later, she received the call that changed her life: she was selected.
Her journey truly began under the mentorship of Shirin Anand Dubey, the esteemed director of Group AUM: manch par Astitva, during a rigorous workshop. Under his guidance, Neha honed her craft, learning the nuances of acting both on stage and off.
Neha’s debut performance in the play Aala Afsar on August 1, 2014, marked the beginning of an illustrious career in theatre. Playing the role of a wife, her portrayal was widely appreciated by the audience. From that moment, Neha became a regular face in the theatre circuit, performing in numerous plays and short films. Her commitment to the art form saw her actively participating in street plays aimed at raising social awareness.
Her relentless work ethic and talent earned her a place on some of the most prestigious stages across cities like Chhindwara, Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Indore. Neha also competed in numerous national and international theatre competitions, winning accolades that recognized not just her talent but the strength of her team.
In January 2018, at the International Theatre Competition in Bareilly, Neha’s group, AUM: manch par Astitva secured the first prize in both drama and dance categories, while her mentor, Shirin Anand Dubey, won the Best Director award. This success was followed by a string of victories, with Neha and her team winning multiple awards in Dehradun, Shimla, and Jaipur. Her personal achievements grew as well, with Neha bagging the Best Actress award for her powerful performance in Jungle Sabha in 2019, a feat she repeated in 2022 for her role in “Yeh Nahi Kathputhiyaan” simultaneously the best director award was bagged by Neha’s mentor Shirin Anand Dubey.
However, Neha’s story doesn’t end with theatre. In September 2022, she ventured into a new domain—modeling and pageantry. Her debut at the Miss Central India pageant marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. With her determination, grace, and support from her family, mentors, and friends, Neha has transitioned seamlessly from the stage to the runway.
Now, with her sights set on expanding her career in modeling and pageantry, Neha continues to inspire others with her perseverance, dedication, and passion for the arts. Whether on stage or on the runway, Neha Baniya is a force to be reckoned with, proving that dreams can indeed be turned into reality with hard work and unshakable support from loved ones.
