Chirag Bhanot - Channa Mereya Is the Best Thing That Has Happened to Me This Year (Actor From India)

Well, I look up to Mr. Irrfan Khan. I hope one day I can create magic on-screen like he used to do with his acting craft. Also, I would like to follow in the footsteps of Mr. Shahrukh Khan. I hope there will be a day when I'll make a little room for myself in every human's heart like him.

1. Tell us about your background and journey as an actor. 

Hi, I am Chirag Bhanot. I am from Delhi. Back in October 2012, I joined a theatre group, Bela Theatre Karwan, under the guidance of Mr. Amar Shah. That is where I did my first theatre play, Haai Paisa Haai, in front of 1500 people & that was when I felt the magic of being alive, after which the journey of learning the craft of acting began for me.

2. What do you like about acting the most? 

I have got tons of opportunities to perform on the stage across India. Every time I performed on stage, I felt the warmth of being someone else. And this is what I like the most about acting - being in the moment. I enjoy every aspect of it, from costumes to dialogues, from music to light, from making the audience emotional to spreading joy among them.

3. Describe your most challenging role to date.

While pursuing my Masters in Dramatic Arts from Indian Theatre, we were doing a play, Ten Dark Days, written by Hari Shankar Parsai Ji under the guidance of Dr. Navdeep Kaur Ji, where I was portraying a role of a female, named Sadhavi. 

It was extremely challenging for me to transform myself into a woman. I still remember, one day, I wore a salwar suit and started walking from my boy's hostel to the market in Chandigarh to understand how people look at women & that gave me a shift to understand the mindset of a woman. We have done 11 shows of it. And at the end of every show, whenever the audience came and interacted with me, they used to get shocked and say, "Wait a minute, you are a boy!" That's how I know the magic of being an actor.

4. How, according to you, can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?

To be honest, working on-screen or getting an opportunity to work in serials is a time-taking process. It took me almost 8 months to crack my first audition & when I reached on-set, I came to know that they had cast me as a background artist. It was heartbreaking for me. Even after doing more than 400 stage shows, I wasn't getting any fair chances to showcase my talent.

All my experiences made me realize that it's so important to understand that no one is going to help you get any work once you move to Mumbai. You have to make your own way. There might be a time when you would be shattered on the ground, but if you don't stop working and improving your craft, my friend, you're surely going to win one day.

All you need to do is focus on your goals, your acting craft, and yourself. Believe me, this will make you more confident and everything will start happening in your favor. Just believe in your craft.

5. How does it feel to be a part of a big show like Channa Mereya & working with such a big cast?

Well, I don't have words to express my gratitude toward the universe. I am blessed to be a part of Channa Mereya. I never thought in the early days of my career that I would get the opportunity to work with such a huge star cast in a show. Punit Issar Sir, Karan Wahi, and the lovely family of the show. It feels great to be working with them. Channa Mereya is the best thing that has happened to me this year. Also, I am thankful to Beyond Dreams Entertainment and the casting and creative departments for giving me this opportunity.

6. What advice would you like to give to the future and aspiring actors? 

My friend, keep on hustling because no matter what, one day, you will crack the audition. Make sure your craft is so strong that once you give your shot, everyone on the floor will get amazed by your acting skills. 

7. Whom do you consider as your genuine critics & why?

My biggest critics are my family and one of my school friends. Whenever any of my projects are released, I know I am going to get a call from them. And as soon as I pick up the call, they say, "Isse better kario algi baar." Hahaha! I am trying so hard that once in a blue moon they say "tera kaam dekh kar acha laga." I hope that day comes soon.

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

If not an actor, I'd have been a struggling actor. Lol!

9. Who do you consider your acting role model & why? 

Well, I look up to Mr. Irrfan Khan. I hope one day I can create magic on-screen like he used to do with his acting craft. Also, I would like to follow in the footsteps of Mr. Shahrukh Khan. I hope there will be a day when I'll make a little room for myself in every human's heart like him.

10. Your mantra for success?

Keep working hard & never stop yourself from learning new things!

Bio 

Chirag Bhanot is an active Indian actor & theatre artist known for his roles in the film Class of 83, web series Srikant Bhashir and TV serial Chotti Sardarni. Currently, he's being seen in the serial, Channa Mereya alongside Karan Wahi & Niyati Fatnani. He has also done more than 400 theatre plays in the past 10 years across the country.

Interviewed by - Nimisha Dutta