Originally from Delhi, Samarth Shandilya discussed his journey of moving to Mumbai to pursue acting. He described the initial challenges of being away from friends and family in a new city.
Samarth Shandilya, who is one of the talented actors, captivated audiences with his stellar performance in the show Industry. In a recent candid exchange with DNA, the actor shared insights into his journey and experiences in the dynamic world of entertainment.
Originally from Delhi, Samarth Shandilya discussed his journey of moving to Mumbai to pursue acting. He described the initial challenges of being away from friends and family in a new city. On being asked about the day when he first thought of becoming an actor, he said, “I honestly think I was born to act. From my memory from my childhood also, and from what I got to know from my family members and everyone, everyone used to call me ‘nautanki’. I honestly think I was born to act.”
Samarth also highlighted the unwavering support he received from his parents throughout his journey. He added, “I didn’t grow up in a film environment or anything like that, but in my family, everyone enjoys watching films and TV shows. We're a typical middle-class family where we sit together at the dining table and watch TV. In those days, there were only a few channels, and we watched everything, including Balaji serials. Sometimes, my dad would bring home CDs, cassettes, and even a VCR.”
Samarth with his parents
He recalled, “While other kids went out to play during my childhood, I always insisted on watching films. My parents already knew back then that I would move to Mumbai and pursue acting.”
Then he revealed, “After that, I didn’t have any work for four months. I didn’t even know where auditions were happening or where I needed to go. Autorickshaw drivers would lie to me because they wanted to go home. They would tell me auditions were in Borivali and take me from Andheri. So the environment, relationships, friendships—everything was intense and heightened. I had been a pampered child living in luxury, so doing everything by myself was very new. Looking back now, I feel thankful to my parents for letting me be myself and sending me to Mumbai.”
While discussing his breakthrough, Samarth described himself as a true Delhi boy. He initially believed that his face value should sell products, including ads and shows. He recalled his breakthrough moment with an MTNL 3G ad, where he became its face. This government ad was visible everywhere, at stations, airports, and more which brought him some recognition. Subsequently, a director noticed him and invited him to audition, leading to his first film alongside Swara Bhasker titled Sabki Bajegi Band.
He added, “My family gave me an ultimatum that if I didn't get work for 8 months, I should come back to Delhi, especially because Mumbai's heavy rains worried them. Now, it’s been 12-13 years, and I've been consistently getting work, so I haven’t left Mumbai. Touchwood.”
while talking about his parents’ reaction, Samarth revealed his parents were really happy. On being asked if they flaunt his in front of family and friends, he started laughing and said, “I think my mom does, but my father keeps me grounded. I have to ask him sometimes, like recently when my series was released, I asked him, ‘Dad, did you watch it?’ He replied, ‘Yes, I saw it. You did a great job, and it’s different from your previous work.’ So he keeps me grounded and I think that is the fuel that I need to do hard work. But my mom definitely does, I see myself on her WhatsApp status.”
While talking about nepotism the actor highlighted that it may be easy for star kids to get work initially, but ultimately, it is the audience who holds the ultimate power and decides the success of a performer.
When asked if he would give someone, including his best friends or close friends or family who once betrayed his trust, a second chance, the actor paused for a moment and replied firmly, “No, I won’t.” He believes that if someone betrays your trust once, he wouldn't risk trusting them again. For him, it's about moving forward and finding trust with new people instead.
On the work front, Samarth recently appeared in Industry (available on Amazon miniTV) and Rana Naidu 9 (available on Netflix). He will now star in Sanaa which will be released soon.
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 "Samarth Shandilya (Image Credit: Instagram)")
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