Claudia Ciesla gets nostalgic remembering working with Akshay Kumar!

Polish-born German actress and model Claudia Ciesla, known for her appearances in films like Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 and her stint in Bigg Boss 3, credits her Bollywood debut opposite superstar Akshay Kumar in Khiladi 786 as a turning point in her career. She says working alongside him not only gave her recognition but also taught her invaluable lessons about discipline, humility, and professionalism.

“Every project has shaped me in some way, but two remain unforgettable. Entering mainstream Bollywood with the song Balma in Khiladi 786 was a life-changing experience. Working with Akshay sir was like attending a masterclass—his punctuality, dedication, and professionalism are unmatched. What inspired me most was his humility; despite being such a huge star, he is a complete director’s actor. Watching him work so closely set the standard for how I wanted to conduct myself in my own journey,” Claudia shared.

Claudia also recalled her time on Bigg Boss 3, which she describes as equally special. “Back then, I didn’t know Hindi, so I often couldn’t understand many conversations in the house. But the love I received from the Indian audience was overwhelming and humbling. That experience pushed me to learn the language. I devoted two hours every single day to studying, and over time, I became fluent. Today, speaking Hindi allows me to connect with my audience on a much deeper level, and that’s something I’m extremely proud of.”

When it comes to choosing projects, Claudia isn’t rigid but is drawn to stories that excite her curiosity and characters with depth. “I’m always looking for roles that are layered and multidimensional—where there’s scope to explore and bring uniqueness to the performance. A script should have soul; it should leave behind a thought, a message, or an emotion that stays with the audience. As actors, we have the power to move hearts and inspire, so when a story offers that opportunity, it immediately speaks to me,” she explained. For Claudia, acting is more than a profession—it’s about creating impact. With her journey so far, she continues to explore projects that not only entertain but also inspire change.