While many complain about the lack of opportunities on the small screen, Mohit Malhotra is cut from a different cloth. The actor, who has featured in shows like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Naagin 5, and Splitsvilla, believes that it is a great time for actors to showcase their chops. Tell him how challenging and demanding this profession is, keeping in mind that many of his contemporaries are out of work and he replies, “Today, we have so many platforms that no one should be sitting at home. I believe that as long as we work on our craft, we can never be out of work. Look, there are challenges in every profession but what sets you apart is your ability to overcome them and surge ahead. You have to keep striving to become a better version of yourself and eventually everything will fall into place.”
He adds, “The most challenging part for me has been to understand how the life of an actor works, especially because there is no particular routine that you can follow. You have to understand what you have chosen and how you can make the best of it and along with it, you have to make sure that you are at peace with yourself.”
He says that the worst is over. How? “Imagine, we were not able to meet people during the pandemic. I enjoy the experience of meeting casting directors and people in person. Fortunately, now everything has opened up and people are getting work as it used to back in the day. Learning, growing, evolving, and making attempts to better your craft and yourself as a person, help you in becoming a better actor. That’s how it should be,” he replies.
Uncertainty and long waits are amongst the many occupational hazards. However, staying positive is the only way to survive an unfavourable patch. Mohit says, “If you look at the positive side of it, you get a lot of time for yourself…time for introspection. It’s better and healthy not to be a part of the rat race. There is so much that can be done for your own growth and you won’t be able to focus on it if you worry about frivolous things and how others are faring in their careers. When there is no work, we should have a schedule set for the day. Take up activities like watching films and reading scripts, which enable you to hone your craft. In my free time, I practise dance, learn classical music, watch movies and meet more people. That’s what keeps me going.”
