Namit Khanna - Being in Mumbai, I Started Getting Opportunities to Audition for Films Apart From Television Commercials (Actor, India)

Namit Khanna is an Indian actor known for portraying Siddhant Sinha in Yeh Pyaar Nahi Toh Kya Hai and Dr Siddhant "Sid" Mathur in Sanjivani

Instagram - @namitkhanna_official

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

After graduating from Kingston University London I worked in advertising for a few years before deciding to quit my job and move to Mumbai to take my acting career to the next level. It was a bold move as I was around 22 years old at that point. 

Fortunately, Mumbai was a smooth transition for me as I started getting work as soon as I went there. Modelling gave me a good life, some recognition, opportunities to travel around the country and the world and most importantly enough free time at hand to do whatever I wanted. 

Those years made me grow as an individual and a professional model. It was only in 2017 when I got my first acting job for a web series.


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

Becoming an actor was not something I thought about or worked towards while growing up or even before I moved to Mumbai to take my modelling career further.

Being in Mumbai I started getting opportunities to audition for films apart from television commercials. It was only when I realised that having a successful modelling career in India also has a shelf life apart from lack of growth or any mental stimulation. I decided to then take acting as a serious career option. To polish my skills I enrolled myself on various acting classes.


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

I don’t think there is a simple answer to this question. I feel it’s constant work to keep the confidence and belief alive. The first lesson you learn in this industry is rejection and you will continue to face it throughout your career so it all boils down to how badly do you want it combined with persistence, patience and never giving up attitude.

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

I would most probably be a photographer as I’m super passionate about it and making your passion your career is the best thing you can do for yourself.


5. For a complete outsider without inroads, what advice would you like to give?

• Be true to who you are
• Decide what you will and will not do to succeed
• Continue to work on your talent/skills
• Be happy and healthy
• Never give up
• Patience and perseverance should be your best friends
• Find another source of income while you wait for your first gig and continue to have those income streams
• Choose your friends wisely

6. What is your mantra of success?

There is no end to being successful or growing in your chosen career but when it comes to losing out on the other spheres of life then it is no longer desirable. It is important to find a balance in life that keeps you happy and in a positive state of mind. I also feel having absolute health is a measure of your success.


7. Which is your favourite book and why?

I haven’t been reading books for a while as I have switched to audiobooks. Having said that the one book that comes to my mind is the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini... It was the first time as far as I remember that I book moved me so much. I remember crying my heart out while reading it. That book taught me the power of words and good writing.

- Interviewed by - Shivani Singh