Celine Tengam Koyu: ‘If I Face Discrimination, I’ll Say My Father Is Indian’

Mumbai, March 2026 – In an industry that is slowly waking up to the need for inclusive storytelling, young actress Celine Tengam Koyu is making her presence felt with grace and quiet strength. Best known for playing Deepa Nabam in the popular web series Aspirants, Celine is currently seen in its third season as well. Hailing from the scenic hills of Arunachal Pradesh, she recently opened up about the realities faced by actors from India’s Northeast and her personal approach to handling discrimination.

During a recent episode of Wheel of Fortune, host Akshay Kumar invited his Manipur-based makeup artist to discuss the discrimination often faced by people from the Northeast. Inspired by the conversation, Celine was asked about her own experiences in Mumbai. With refreshing honesty, the actress acknowledged the existing challenges while sharing that her journey so far has been relatively protected.

“People should first acknowledge that we are more than just supporting characters,” Celine said. “Northeast actors are mostly cornered in that zone and there is so much potential even in storytelling. We need stronger stories. Most of the time, actors from the Northeast are considered just as aesthetic and then comes a saviour from Mainland India — this narrative has to change.”

Fortunately, Celine has not faced direct discrimination yet. Having moved to Mumbai only recently, she conducted most of her auditions from home. However, she is aware of the darker side of the industry. “I heard many casting couch incidents happening, asking for compromise from my friends in Mumbai,” she revealed.

If she ever encounters bias based on her looks, language, or place of origin, Celine has a clear and powerful response ready: “If I ever face discrimination for my looks, language and where I belong to, I will just say one line — ‘My father is an Indian’.”

She expressed genuine appreciation for Akshay Kumar bringing the subject to a national platform. “I am happy that a superstar like Akshay Kumar has brought this subject on a national platform and spoke about it. I sincerely hope and wish to see the change in the thought process of the people,” Celine added.

Originally from Arunachal Pradesh, Celine has now shifted her base to Mumbai with the clear goal of building a busy acting career. “I wish I was closer to my family. I love my state too but the dreams I had were limited there,” she shared. “I hope Mumbai will treat me kindly and help me reach where I want to be.”

Despite the distance from home, Celine draws immense strength from her support system. “My family, friends, well-wishers — there are so many people who believe in me, I think even more than I do. I gain strength from their love and encouragement,” she said warmly. “I am here to make my people and my state proud in front of the world.”

The love she has received from audiences for her role in Aspirants has only strengthened her resolve. “People have loved me in Aspirants and I have received so much support and love from the audience. And now I want to prove my talent further in those roles which I know I am capable to play,” Celine stated with quiet determination.

Her journey reflects a larger conversation unfolding in Indian entertainment — the push for authentic representation and meaningful roles for talents from every corner of the country. By refusing to be boxed into stereotypes and by standing firm in her Indian identity, Celine Tengam Koyu is carving a path that is both personal and significant.

As she continues to chase her dreams in Mumbai, the young actress from Arunachal Pradesh carries with her the hopes of her family, the pride of her state, and a clear message: Northeast voices deserve stories that go beyond aesthetics — stories that celebrate their depth, strength, and belonging.