Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 6: Actress Samyuktha Hornad, known for her deep love for animals and nature, recently opened up about her childhood struggles and how they led her to form a profound connection with the natural world.

In a heartwarming post on Instagram, the actress shared her excitement about spending time with real penguins during a shoot for an upcoming series with cricket legend Kapil Dev.

“I got to hang out with some legit penguins as a part of a shoot. Turns out, they really are the coolest,” she wrote, alongside pictures from the shoot.

Recalling her school days, Samyuktha said she was often bullied and nicknamed ‘penguin’ by classmates trying to mock her. But instead of being hurt, she embraced the label. “Joke’s on them I took it as a compliment because penguins are basically tuxedoed VIPs of the animal kingdom,” she wrote, adding that she was a big fan of the animated character Pingu.

The actress, reflecting on her past, said being a loner only deepened her bond with animals, trees, and the universe. “Being a loner didn’t weaken me; it shoved me into the fierce, real love of animals, nature, and the universe, where squawking birds and cosmic gusts always had my back,” she wrote.

In a touching note to her younger self, Samyuktha said, “Sometimes I think about little me, whose childhood friends were trees, the moon, dogs, and clouds I wish I could zip back in time and tell lil Samyu, ‘Hold tight, my girl, your social life’s about to level up with some penguins, lions, cheetahs and leopards.’”

The actress’s candid post has won hearts online, with fans appreciating her vulnerability, strength, and deep-rooted love for the natural world.