Saudi Arabia Changed My Perception Completely: Kashika
Winning hearts as a model and actor, Kashika Kapoor was spotted at a prestigious International event in Saudi Arabia and was selected to represent India at the Global Harmony Initiative hosted by the Ministry of Media with GEA as part of the Riyadh Season.
The young star’s presence marked a cultural bridge between India and Saudi Arabia, celebrating common humanity, mutual respect and the beauty of coexistence.
“I am very honored to represent my country here,” Kashika said with a smile. “Being in Saudi Arabia for the first time has been such a wonderful experience. The people here are so welcoming, their hospitality is heartfelt and the spirit of harmony is something you can truly feel everywhere.”
Launched by the Ministry of Media and supported by the General Entertainment Authority, the Global Harmony initiative celebrates the diversity of the Kingdom’s inhabitants and their role in enriching Saudi Arabia’s social and cultural landscape under Vision 2030. ‘India Week’ was the inaugural celebration of the 2025 edition, bringing together Indian art, dance, cuisine and music as a tribute to the country’s vibrant community living in Saudi Arabia.
For Kashika, the trip wasn’t just about cultural representation; It was a journey of discovery. “Before I came here, people had planted all kinds of misconceptions in my mind, like you couldn’t dress a certain way or express yourself freely,” she said. “But the truth is that Saudi Arabia is changing beautifully. As long as you are respectful and carry yourself with grace, the country welcomes you with open arms. I was truly touched by the kindness and warmth I encountered.”
There was admiration in his voice as he described the Saudi capital. “Riyadh feels alive; there is art, music and creativity everywhere. The Kingdom embraces the world with open arms and it is wonderful to see how they blend modernity with tradition. The initiative itself – Global Harmony – it is a very meaningful concept. The word ‘Harmony’ means a lot to me. It is about peace, love and unity; it is about realizing that despite borders and nationalities, we all belong to one human family.”
Born and raised in Mumbai, Kashika’s acting journey began at an early age. “When I was in sixth grade, I told my parents I wanted to be an actor,” he smiled. “My mother fully supported me, but my father was skeptical at first. But fate had its own plans.”
When she was sixteen, she signed contracts with talent agencies and soon began modeling and appearing in commercials. Her big break came during the pandemic, when she became the female face of gaming brand Free Fire alongside Hrithik Roshan. “This campaign changed everything for me. It gave me hope and visibility, even in such uncertain times,” he recalled.
A series of successes followed; Music videos like Dil Pe Zakhm, which became a viral hit, followed by web series called The Vibe Hunters on JioCinema. Soon after, he made his Bollywood debut in Ayushmati Geeta Matric Pass and entered the Telugu film industry with LYF, directed by SP Charan, son of the late legendary singer SP Balasubramanyam, who made a mark in the world of Hindi cinema. “Tollywood has given me so much love,” he said. “It’s a very disciplined and passionate industry. I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
Kashika is currently working on new film projects; He hinted that one of them included a lead director whose name he “has yet to reveal”. He also expressed his admiration for filmmakers like Sukumar and SS Rajamouli, whose storytelling he said “proves that content is king”.
Elaborating further on the Harmony Foundation, Kashika sees his participation in Saudi Arabia’s initiative as something personal, beyond a professional milestone. “The idea of harmony is not just about cultural exchange,” he reflected. “It’s about recognizing that every person, no matter where they come from, makes a valuable contribution. I feel like this initiative from Saudi Arabia sets a great global example. It shows that growth doesn’t just mean progress, it also means inclusion.”
He said his time in the kingdom was transformative. “Saudi Arabia surprised me in the best way possible,” Kashika said. “It is modern, hospitable and has deep-rooted values. The hospitality here is second to none; they treat you like family. I will carry this warmth with me forever.”
