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Sick of Always Being the Sidekick: Actress Mahima Saigal hopes to create work that uproots stereotypes and reclaims the Hero’s Journey for people of color.

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  1. Why did you decide to pursue acting and how did you know that New York City was where you wanted to be?

To be completely honest with you, I had zero clue what my “thing” was when I was in an all girls Catholic school in Delhi. Everyone around me was either winning extempore rounds, school debates or getting the lead role in our annual Christmas play without auditioning. I clearly wasn’t the most academically gifted student and in a class that had over 175 girls in it, I wasn’t the most conspicuous as well. I believe it was this fear of invisibility, of being excluded that led me to go all in for this acting opportunity where I had to play the role of a tortured kid in a street play. At that time my resume was just limited to my height which, I am pleased to inform, remains intact at 4’11. I think that’s what got me the role!That play struck a chord deep within. Whether it was the energy of doing live theatre or seeing some semblance of respect in my teachers’ eyes- I don’t know, but I wanted more of it. While the experience of acting in school helped me improve my confidence and surprisingly, my grades as well, I was still insecure about my choice to pursue acting professionally. In university, I went ahead with a safe option of pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in History and refused to join the Drama Society. Primarily because I didn’t know if I could do it. So what did I do to face this fear? I moved to a whole new continent without even knowing why. Perhaps it was my unmitigated love for (censored) Sex and the City or the need to have bagels as my staple breakfast diet. Who knows? But what I did know was that I needed a chance to experiment with my craft, to find out if I could really do it, and to quote Jay-Z ``If you make it here you can make it anywhere” Right? It’s funny that my fear of invisibility which pushed me towards acting, drew me to a city where being visible is one of the toughest things to accomplish.

  1. What lessons have you learnt thus far as an artist on American soil? And how do they show up in your work?

One must always be true to their own identity and embrace it rather than run from it. While the odds may be stacked up against you, it is more empowering to stick with what you know, than to submerge yourself into what “they” want. Real talk, “they” truly don’t care about you so you might as well go ahead and do what you love and add some masala to it while you’re at it. This lesson holds not just for my work but for my personal life as well. So many times I’ve been asked to repeat myself because people had issues with my accent. I don’t say issues “understanding” my accent but just issues with it. It seems there is a very specific cadence of tone or voice that is deemed acceptable or worthy of response when it comes to the English language in America. I would love my work to challenge that, to show that people who sound like me, who mix English with their mother tongue are capable of telling narratives that are gripping, valid and worthy of viewership.

  1. How do you hope that your presence on the stage or on the screen, even behind the scenes as a writer, producer,  will inspire young creators who are also coming in trying to engage in the same process as you?

A network, that I shouldn’t name (yet), was looking for a South Asian actress with an accent obviously, and they needed them to speak in one of the South Asian languages. I did get the chance to tape myself and improvise in my native tongue. However, on the day of the submission I was told that the network  will not be accepting someone on a work visa. This is the fifth time this has happened to me. While all this is great fodder for my grand ‘thank you’ speech that I would love to make one day, it has also led to this growing confusion that irks me like that one ankle sock that refuses to co-exist with your latest bootie. Confusion because I feel I am in this state of constant unknowing when it comes to TV. I don’t genuinely know whether or not I’m good at it because I’m never allowed to present my work in front of the people who are the gatekeepers of it. But what I do know is that stopping isn’t an option for me. And this isn’t some you can do it motivational spiel that various self proclaimed “gurus”  keep spewing about. I genuinely think that there is a way to pierce this unnecessary barricade that impedes non- citizen artists from presenting their work forward and I truly want to be a part of that movement so that people who look like me or will be in my position five years from now are not as massively confused as I am today.

  1. Do you plan on continuing with production? Is being a producer what’s bringing you the most fulfillment now?

I accepted the role of a producer rather unwillingly as most of the projects that came my way were through my acting network. I deeply appreciated that my network took note of my resourcefulness, but it also hurt that they forgot to take note of the fact that I am an actor first. While these projects were not large scale it still bothered me to watch the paucity of diversity in each one of them. That’s when I decided that if I am to take on the arduous task of being a producer then I better invest and uplift stories that were true to what I knew and understood to be the POC experience in America. I want to ensure that these stories were told right. Keeping that as my throughline, I can most definitely say that producing stories that align with my values and vision has definitely proven to be more fulfilling than I had imagined.

  1. COVID-19 was obviously challenging for the entire world, the entertainment industry included. What were the major takeaways, positive or negative, from that experience?

It’s hard to see Covid-19 under a positive light given what is going on in the global south, especially in my country, India. To see one part of my world  move on at warp speed, effortlessly forgetting the collective trauma and the ache we all felt in the year 2020. While the other part struggles non-stop to obtain even the most basic of medical supplies. It’s one of the toughest contradictions I have to live with. But, it’s also made me more wary of this unacknowledged global divide and how unnerving it can be for someone who has their toes dipped in such extremely different worlds. However, my mother says, one must always look at the bright side. I try with all my might to do so, especially with something as oppressive as Covid. So, no matter how unforgiving it was (still is), Covid did bring to light some of the most heroic stories of our times. The indefatigable spirit of the health care and the essential workers, the acumen of the common people of India who used social media to raise funds for oxygen tanks and supplies when the government abandoned them, the young men and women who risked their lives to donate blood to save the elderly and finally the NGOs that worked relentlessly to provide aid to the smallest of villages.  All these stories show us that some heroes really do exist beyond the cinematic universe of  Marveland they don’t necessarily wear capes or need to have a specific kind of accent or look to be deemed worthy of the Hero’s Journey.

Photographer: 

NICK WHEELEHON PHOTOGRAPHY

IG: @wheelehonphotography

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

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Lifestyle

How to Negotiate With Car Insurance Companies After an Accident

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After a car accident, negotiating with insurance companies comes with the territory. Unfortunately, most people don’t know what to do, so they end up being taken advantage of by the insurance companies. We don’t want this to happen to you. 

Let’s explore several helpful tips that will allow you to negotiate strategically and get the results you want.

  • Document Evidence

The foundation of a successful negotiation with insurance companies lies in thorough documentation. From the moment the accident occurs, gather as much evidence as possible. 

Take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect witness statements, police reports, and medical records to support your claim.

This documentation serves as crucial evidence to substantiate your case during negotiations. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your position will be when presenting your claim to the insurance company.

  • Understand Policy Coverage

Familiarize yourself with the details of your insurance policy. Understand what is covered, the limits of coverage, and any applicable deductibles. Knowing the specifics of your policy empowers you to negotiate from a position of knowledge.

Take note of your policy’s provisions related to collision coverage, liability limits, medical payments, and any additional coverages that might be relevant to your situation. This understanding will help you assess the insurance company’s offers accurately and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.

  • Hire an Attorney

You have the ability to represent yourself and speak directly with insurance companies about your claim. However, in complicated situations – or even simple situations where there are a lot of medical bills or damages involved – you’re better off getting some help.

“When an insurance company receives a claim for an injury, they do not simply roll over and pay out any amount that the injured person wants,” Parham Smith & Arcenhold explains. “Instead, thorough investigations take place. These companies have the resources necessary to look out for their best interests financially, which is why any injured individual should have the same level of legal representation.”

A good attorney is someone who specializes in car accident claims, has an extensive track record of successful negotiations with car insurance companies, and has been in your local area for a number of years. You want someone you can trust and depend on throughout this case, no matter how many twists and turns it might take. 

  • Stay Composed During Discussions

Negotiations with insurance adjusters can be intimidating, but maintaining composure is crucial. Be respectful and avoid being confrontational during discussions. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be misconstrued as accepting liability.

Remain firm in advocating for fair compensation but avoid making rash decisions out of frustration. Take your time to review offers and consult with professionals, such as legal advisors or trusted experts, before accepting or rejecting any settlement offers. 

As a general rule of thumb, an insurance company’s first settlement offer might only be worth 25 to 50 percent of the full value. This is why you should always reject the first offer and work with your attorney to negotiate back and forth. 

  • Value Your Claim Accurately

Accurately valuing your claim is critically important for a successful negotiation. Consider all the damages incurred, including vehicle repairs, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs. Gather estimates from reputable auto repair shops and medical professionals to substantiate your claim.

Don’t undervalue your losses. Consider the long-term implications of the accident, including potential future medical treatments or the impact of injuries on your quality of life. Presenting a well-documented and accurately valued claim increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

Negotiate With a Strategy

Remember, insurance wants to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. However, armed with proper documentation, knowledge of your policy, a composed demeanor, and an accurately valued claim, you’ll be better positioned to negotiate effectively and secure a fair settlement.

Sugarcoating this process won’t do anything good for you. The reality is that it’s you versus the insurance companies. If you choose to plug your ears and pretend that nothing is happening, you will get the raw end of this deal. However, if you fight back with the assistance of an attorney who has a good strategy, you’ll put the insurance companies on their heels and force them to give ground. 

As a result, you’ll likely get a much more fair settlement.

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