Jaideep Ahlawat’s finest interview
After watching his performance in Patal Lok, I’ve become a lifelong fan of Mr.Jaideep Ahlawat.
I find it more valuable to hear insights from a professional in any field, as opposed to a random YouTuber regurgitating information from a few popular books.
Here are the summarized points from this interview. If you understand Hindi — the YouTube link of the interview is given above.
03:25 the importance of having a reference when choosing a career early in life, for a lifelong commitment.
06:40 His father, a teacher, never discouraged him from pursuing FTII, saying “if he fails, he’ll do farming.”
08:00 FTII taught him that being an actor is a lifestyle, a 24/7 commitment, much larger than he had initially envisioned. It turned him into a devoted student of films.
16:30 Advocates embracing vulnerability and fear, considering them perfectly acceptable emotions.
19:24 Advises that bad actors are detached and disengaged from what’s happening in the NOW
20:00 Considers oneself fortunate if able to be part of the 5% of commendable work in the industry in a given year.
20:43 Likens being an actor to a prism — the actor isn’t the light or the resulting rainbow, but the prism that must be clean and positioned correctly.
24:31 Encourages engaging in productive activities like reading or exercising during downtime instead of blaming external factors like nepotism.
26:57 Distinguishes between being successful and being famous.
28:00 Doesn’t retreat to the vanity van during breaks, preferring to observe what’s happening on set.
28:40 Identifies as a perpetual student of cinema.
29:50 Emphasizes the importance of connecting with a script until it begins to speak to you, letting your character evolve naturally.
40:00 Regards his life journey as a repository of emotions, particularly for actors from smaller towns.
40:35 Believes a well-written script allows the character to reveal their world.
44:00 Notes that accomplished actors exude vitality, contentment, and awareness.
45:00 Stresses the necessity of knowing your lines, echoing Al Pacino’s advice.
50:40 acting as a means of survival a source of peace of mind; found tranquillity when he began acting in plays.
53:18 Acknowledges that everyone’s life unfolds differently.
54:37 Simplifies success in the industry as either good work or good pay.
58:00 Underlines the need for a character, ex Joker , to be convinced of their actions to captivate the audience — there are no absolutes of right or wrong for a character.
01:00:00 Defines failure on an individual basis, citing his regret over not cracking SSB.
01:11:50 Asserts that the learning from a current project must be carried forward to the next.
01:16:49 Believes only five projects in a year hold real significance, and if lucky, one might be part of them.
01:17:14 cheque par dhyaan do !
01:21:41 Recommends daily alignment, emphasizing focused breathing.
