From Sa Re Ga Ma Pa stage to cinematic storytelling, Tia Bajpai builds a career across music and films

From the cultural lanes of Lucknow to the demanding world of Indian cinema, Tia Bajpai has built a career defined by persistence, reinvention, and an enduring connection to music. Known for her presence in the horror genre and her beginnings as a singer, Bajpai’s journey reflects both the unpredictability of the entertainment industry and the quiet resilience required to sustain oneself within it.

Born as Twinkle Bajpai, she grew up in Uttar Pradesh’s capital, where art and tradition shaped her early sensibilities. “Growing up in Lucknow gave me a strong cultural foundation. It’s a city rooted in art, music, and tehzeeb. I was always surrounded by classical influences, which naturally drew me toward singing. Acting came a little later, but storytelling was always somewhere within me. My upbringing taught me discipline and patience, which are essential in this industry,” she says.

That grounding in culture and discipline would later become a steady anchor in a career marked by constant shifts. Like many performers of her generation, Bajpai’s first brush with national recognition came through reality television. Participating in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005 was not merely an opportunity, but a turning point that altered the course of her life.

“Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005 was truly life-changing. It gave me national recognition and confidence. More than that, it helped me understand the demands of being a performer and pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zone,” she recalls. The show introduced her to a wider audience and, perhaps more importantly, to the rigours of performing under scrutiny. It was here that she began to understand that talent alone was not enough. Discipline, adaptability, and emotional resilience were just as crucial.

From television to the big screen

Before stepping into films, Bajpai built her foundation on television. She appeared in popular shows like Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, navigating the fast-paced world of daily soaps. Television offered her visibility and a steady platform, but it also came with its own limitations.

“The transition wasn’t easy at all. Television gave me visibility, but films required a completely different level of performance and patience. I always wanted to explore acting in depth, and films offered that space. It was a risk, but one I felt ready to take,” she says.

The move from television to cinema marked a significant shift, both professionally and emotionally. Unlike television, where actors are constantly working within tight schedules, films demanded patience, introspection, and a deeper engagement with character.

Her debut in Haunted – 3D, directed by Vikram Bhatt, became a defining moment. Starring opposite Mahaakshay Chakraborty, Bajpai stepped into the role of Meera, a character caught in a haunting narrative that required both vulnerability and emotional intensity.

“Haunted 3D will always be special to me. It introduced me to the film industry and gave me recognition overnight. Looking back, I feel grateful. It was a strong start and helped me carve a space for myself,” she says.

She continued in the genre with 1920: Evil Returns alongside Aftab Shivdasani, a film that further cemented her association with horror. “1920: Evil Returns definitely strengthened that association. While I’m thankful for the love the genre gave me, there were moments when I felt slightly typecast. But I also believe every phase teaches you something, and horror taught me a lot about performance intensity.”

That intensity, however, was not without its challenges. “Those roles can be quite draining. Playing a possessed character requires you to tap into very dark emotions, and sometimes it stays with you even after the shoot. I had to learn how to disconnect and protect my mental space. It’s something I take very seriously now.”

Reinventing through music and self-reflection

Parallel to her acting journey, music remained a constant and deeply personal pursuit. Unlike acting, which required her to inhabit different characters, music offered her a space of authenticity.

“For me, music is very personal. It’s where I express my soul. Acting, on the other hand, allows me to step into different lives. I don’t see them as separate. They complement each other. I balance them based on what creatively fulfills me at a given time,” she says.

This dual identity as a singer and actor has allowed her to move fluidly between mediums, even when the industry tends to categorise artists. Her musical journey reached a new phase in 2020 with the release of her international album Upgrade, under the name Tia B.

“Upgrade was my way of reinventing myself musically. I wanted to experiment with global sounds and step beyond traditional boundaries. It was about growth, both as an artist and as an individual,” she explains.

Like many artists, Bajpai has faced periods of uncertainty and self-doubt. The entertainment industry, with its inherent unpredictability, often demands emotional resilience.

“Absolutely. This industry comes with its highs and lows. There were moments of self-doubt, but they also pushed me to introspect and evolve. I’ve learned to be more patient and trust my journey instead of comparing it with others,” she says.

Over time, her understanding of the industry itself has deepened. “Earlier, I saw it as just a platform to perform. Today, I understand the business, the unpredictability, and the importance of resilience. It’s not just about talent. It’s about consistency, adaptability, and staying true to yourself.”

Choosing meaning and looking ahead

With experience has come selectivity. Bajpai is now more deliberate about the roles she takes on, seeking narratives that challenge her and offer depth.

“Today, I’m more selective. I look for roles that challenge me and allow me to grow as an actor. Earlier, it was about grabbing opportunities. Now, it’s about meaningful storytelling and creative satisfaction,” she says.

This evolution reflects a broader maturity, not just as an artist, but as an individual navigating a complex industry. The desire to constantly prove oneself has gradually given way to a quieter confidence.

Looking ahead, Bajpai remains focused on growth, both creative and personal. Her aspirations are no longer defined by a single medium or genre, but by the impact of the stories she chooses to tell.

“I’m looking for layered characters and stories that leave an impact. Whether it’s music or films, I want to be part of projects that resonate deeply with audiences and also push me beyond my limits as an artist,” Bajpai told Patriot.

“I feel my journey across television, film, and music has not been linear. It has been about transitions, risks, learning, moments of self-doubt, and constant reinvention,” she said.

“In an industry that often demands quick reinvention, I feel my path has been about staying steady in my own way. I have moved from a reality show stage to television sets, from horror films to independent music, all while holding on to a sense of self shaped by my roots in Lucknow,” she added.

“That sense of grounding is what continues to guide me. Not the need to fit into a mould, but the freedom to move between identities. Not the pressure of constant visibility, but the pursuit of meaningful expression,” she further added.

“As I continue to navigate the evolving landscape of entertainment, one thing remains constant. Whether through music or cinema, I am still telling stories, only now with a deeper understanding of both the craft and myself,” she concluded.