Actor Siddhant Chaturvedi talks about the struggle he faced as an outsider in Bollywood
Being an outsider, Siddhant Chaturvedi has successfully handled multiple rejections. This actor, who shifted base to Mumbai with parents, impressed everyone with his debut film, Gully Boy. His next release is Dhadak 2 with Triptii Dimri.
In a chat, the actor talks about feeling the pressure ahead of new releases, and his journey into the film world.
Are you feeling the pressure with ‘Dhadak 2’ releasing soon?
Yes, there is a pressure with every film— be it sequels or independent films. You do not have to necessarily match up to the first film, but there is always a desire to show something new.
Have you made a conscious effort to choose diverse roles?
Yes, I do. If I feel a connection to a story, I do it. There is a conscious effort somewhere to present yourself in different ways. Mistakes can happen, but now I am sure I will not do typecast roles.
What inspired you to join films?
I used to watch a lot of movies from my childhood as my father was very fond of movies. He used to show me all the newly-released movies on Fridays. I used to copy whatever I saw on TV.
Did you get support from your parents?
There is a child in every house who dances to songs, but the need to dream is not there in everyone because there are times when your situation doesn’t allow you. I was privileged that my parents supported me. When I entered the industry as an outsider, I started struggling. My parents used to wait for me at home, whether I got selected for the audition or not.
Did you have any crushes?
The first girl I liked was from Chennai. Coming from a small town like Ballia, I couldn’t speak to her in English. When we went to a restaurant, we couldn’t understand how to place an order. We used to eat with our hands. There are some things in life that you gradually understand.
Was it difficult to adapt to the norms of the glitzy world?
I hail from Ballia (UP). I have seen my parents struggle after they shifted to Mumbai. After that, I had to face the struggle to carve out a place in this industry, where you don’t know anyone, and you don’t know how to style yourself or how to map the roadwayto your career. You didn’t know how to go to parties, what to wear, how to greet, or how to sit. You realise that you have a lot to learn. But at the same time, I always try to maintain my identity, my originality. Wherever I am from, I am proud of it.
