"It’s Been 7 Years and I’ve Been Happily Living Alone in Mumbai" - Shaan Groverr

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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I was born and brought up in Delhi. I started acting when I was 5 years old, with my first play ‘Mowgli’ in which I played Mowgli itself. It was curated by Lushin Dubey. There was no looking back post that. I was thoroughly involved in theatre with Akshara Theatre Group, NSD summer workshops and Asmita Theatre Group. 

I am also a trained dancer from Shiamak Dawar and learnt drums till Grade 6 from Trinity School of London.

I shifted to Mumbai in 2013 for college. During my college years I was again thoroughly involved in college festivals where I made my college win a lot of festivals. I also won the ‘Bombay Times Mr. Fresh Face’ in my college and went till the Mumbai finals.

I have worked as an assistant director on the movie called ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’. I have also worked as an intern at YRF casting under Shanoo Sharma for almost a year. Right after that I got my first film called ‘Noblemen’ which is on Netflix.

Since then I’ve done some web series like - PM Selfie Wallie (Alt Balaji), Class of 2020 (Alt Balaji), RejctX Season 2 (Zee5). I’ve also one some 10-15 TVC’s / Digital ads.

2. How did your family supported you in your journey?

One of the biggest blessings I got was my parents’ support. My father was a model in his time. His love and knowledge for movies played a key role in my growing days. He made me watch almost all sorts of movies when I was very young, from Indian classics to Western classics. That’s stayed with me till now and shall always resonate with me.

3. Who is your role model and why do idolize him/her?

Mahatma Gandhi and Shahrukh Khan.

I strongly believe that the world would’ve been a much better place had MG lived longer. SRK is one of the most charismatic and path breaking actors to have ever come in the Hindi film industry. He might not be the most talented actor but still gives hope to thousands of actors/outsiders each day.

4. What is the biggest hurdle you have faced in your life and how you overcame it?

I guess I’d have to say the decision of moving to Mumbai when I was just 17. Being the only child and very close to my parents. I’d never thought of a life away from them. So it was hard to digest that fact and adapt to the new lifestyle initially. But the new lifestyle and Mumbai was so pleasing, that it came very naturally to me. I didn’t have to do anything to overcome it. It’s been 7 years and I’ve been happily living alone in Mumbai.

5. What do you like doing in your spare time?

I love reading books and writing short film scripts.

6. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this in recent times?

I have recently finished two books which I would highly recommend everyone to read:
- How to win friends and influence people, by Dale Carnegie
- A brief history of humankind ‘Sapiens’, by Yuval Noah Harari

As far as shows are concerned, I’ve recently seen Paatal Lok and Asur. I absolutely loved them.

7. How would you motivate those youngster who want to follow your footsteps?

One has to be mentally very strong to get into acting as a profession. It’s one of the most uncertain fields that can mentally destroy you. Luck plays a big role but I feel discipline plays an even bigger role. Always stay focused on yourself and your craft, you may never know when your good luck might strike. Work on your craft as much as possible, all the world’s training also might fall short.

I have recently launched an online acting course of mine called ‘Acting Is Easy’.
(www.actingiseasy.com)

It’s for all the aspiring actors across the county who want to learn the craft just sitting at home. I’ve tried to cover as many techniques and subjects as possible for you to become a better actor. Here’s hoping that it helps you.


- Shaan Groverr (IG: shaangroverr)

Interview by - Haseeb Haroon