I became an actor from the days when I started thinking, eating, drinking and breathing. From my school days, I was in love with the stage, and I realised acting is the only thing which makes me happy and gives me a feeling of existence.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I am from Chandigarh. From my school days, I have been doing theatre, and after my graduation, I did masters in theatres from Punjab University, Chandigarh. In my school days, I was terrible in my studies. I hated maths and never understood even till now. I was bad in all subjects, but I liked poetry.

Then in class fifth, I participated in fancy dress competition, and I bagged the first prize. For the first time, I realised that my classmates, my family, and friends can see me with a different eye. I became a Moongphali Wala, and when I came on stage, everyone laughed. My teachers and friends were all impressed by my act.

Then in class 8th, I did first play based on Munshi Premchand's story Kafan, and everyone liked my performance. Next, my photo and article came in the local newspaper and then I understood I can’t do anything else. I did theatre after school.

Then in my college, I was a hero of the cultural department. I directed and acted in plays and received many awards. My college principal was my fan. He gave me so much love and space to do more theatre in college. Later, I went to university and did my masters.

After that, I got a job at a film college. I taught there for one year and then shifted to Mumbai.

2. Did you ever think or dream of being an actor?

I became an actor from the days when I started thinking, eating, drinking and breathing. From my school days, I was in love with the stage, and I realised acting is the only thing which makes me happy and gives me a feeling of existence.

I love the theatre, whether backstage or on stage. Whenever I am on stage or in front of the camera, I feel happy and blessed. I belong to a small middle-class family. I am so glad that my father helped me to obtain a good education and also made me more aware of art and theatre. 

Whatever I am doing and whatever I will do is all because of my father. He is not into theatre or films; he is just my father, but he gave me lessons about life Which helped to be a good human and an honest actor.

3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?

Why Acting? Ask yourself this question a thousand times. Nothing is easy in this profession. You can’t waste your time and your life. It’s a pure passion business. No matter which class you belong to, no matter whether you have a godfather or not.

What matters is what you want. So, if you wish to, no one can stop you. I did my first film with Mr Amitabh Bachan called Teen Patti. I got a prominent role only with my talent and passion. I have done 8 TV shows and almost 9 films. God is really kind. I shifted to Mumbai in 2010, and it’s 2020. I have done work, I am doing work, and I am still waiting for my best work to come. So, passion and talent is the right approach.

4. If not this, what would you be doing?

I don’t know I think I can do acting only although I was teaching in film school before coming to Mumbai so, I would be acting teacher.

5. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?

Put focus, dedication, hard work and constant efforts for your aim. Believe every day that you are here for some reason, you are here to give meaning to your life, to your talent. Also that you exist in this beautiful world, you belong to this only.

6. What is your mantra of success?

I am still discovering my mantra of success but yes, do your best every day. Be honest to your craft and miracles will happen.

7. Which is your favourite book, and why?  

Ayn Rand is my favourite author. The Fountainhead is my favourite book. Every character has many shades, and it’s a critical book for every literature lover. The second book is Charlie Chaplin's biography. It is a must-read for every actor.

Ashu Sharma
Actor

Interviewed by - Shruti Kaval