Guna, in Madhya Pradesh located on the banks of the Parvati river is the birth place of Neha. She was born on May 13, 1994 to Rajesh Shrivastava a veterinary Officer and Leela a homemaker.
For a regular middle class family in Guna with no connections to the entertainment industry, she however, was very attracted to this profession – Entertainment& Showbiz. As a child she always aspired that one day she will play great roles and would be able to be on stage and share screen space with known faces in the industry. Aspirations and dreams at times seem impossible especially when one is stationed in a non-metro city.
When opportunity knocks
Sometimes light comes through the tiniest of gaps. When Neha completed her higher secondary school she got admission in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. A big city, with many more opportunities than Guna, her hometown. Her parents needed a lot of convincing as, she now had to move out and stay in new city to pursue her further studies.
Extracurricular paves the way
Once she shifted to Gwalior and started her engineering course, apart from studies she participated in extracurricular activists that revolved around the cultural space. She won the “Ms. Fresher’s” title and she was admired and that worked as a huge motivation. Neha was good in dance and she managed to get a job as a tutor in a dance academy. A barter system of sorts cropped up – the academy would teach her advanced dance and she would tutor the junior class free of cost. It was a win win situation for her and she grabbed it. She also ended up learning the Guitar.
Being culturally inclined Neha would participate in most college competitions. Her senior with the same name Neha Upadhyay noticed her and found her very forthcoming and a quick learner. Neha Upadhyay was already an anchor and she took Neha for few shows. In time Neha Shrivastava was helping Neha Upadhyay in back end record keeping etc and she was paid Rs. 300 per day .Neha Shrivastava was junior and she was just happy she was earning something every day.
Destiny knocks again!
As fate would have it one day Neha Upadhyay was unwell and asked Neha Shrivastava to fill in for her as an anchor. She did a very good job and was appreciated by the client who instead of being critical complimented her on her strengths. A great motivation it was for her to do better the next time round.
Once Neha got confident that she will be able to handle anchoring by herself she started getting work with help from her senior. Dealing with it professionally ensured she took on projects and completed them successfully. She started making good money and had gone a long way from the mere Rs 300 she was getting when she started her work. She started getting work from out of town. At first a bit apprehensive to deal with unknown persons, she would do the relevant reference check and started moving outside the city / town/state for shows.
An independent Neha would never ask her parents for pocket money from her college days itself. Her remuneration from anchoring was substantial although her family was unaware on how much she was earning. At first they had their reservations but later supported her. She would take her mother, friends and even her father for events. They were glad to see her doing well and Neha ensured she supported them financially including the studies of her brother. Hence, while she was doing her engineering she had already started earning from the anchoring field. A reason she opted out of campus placements was she wanted to continue in the anchoring profession. She decided to stay back in Gwalior rather than go back to Guna. Family needed the extra nudge and convincing but eventually they agreed and came around. Their support made things happen for Neha including shifting to a more happening city that had many event opportunities.
She moved to Delhi and she wanted to grow and expand. A new city has its challenges and it’s not as easy as it seems. Neha too went through a low patch and got into depression but thanks to her sister’s support she stayed anchored. She also had to work on her language ( English) skills and with perseverance she began getting work in Delhi.
Neha tried her hand at being a DJ. She had learnt this art from a friend and when she got a DJ opportunity at Raipur for a well knows customer she grabbed it. The financials were also favorable besides she got to go on stage and get recognized by the crowd, which indeed was for her a cherished moment. Awards and rewards are when the audience shower their praises and applaud your work. Neha embraced this shade of success and was glad she did take the opportunity
Modeling could not be further, Neha took part in modeling and won the 1st runner up title at Ms.Belleza 2017. She indulged in modeling and still does part time. Having understood the nuances of modeling including technical aspects she is comfortable on the ramp.
Challenges to tide over
Showbiz comes with its ton of challenges. Unknown clients, payment delays and issues and being threatened when challenged are areas that will stay and has to handled in one’s own manner. Neha too had her share of these challenges but is strong to face issues and people head-on as, if this is her chosen profession she has to learn to deal with such issues. She had done and will do so in the future.
Footprints that inspire
A self-made woman who followed her dreams irrespective of challenges is what summarizes Neha Shrivastav and she certainly leaves footprints as inspiration for others to follow.
