How Laila Majnu Became My Unexpected Teacher
So, picture this I was watching the theatres empty after the release of Laila Majnu back in 2018. The movie got pulled out after just three days, and honestly, it felt like a gut punch. But what people don’t see is how that little setback later turned into a full‑blown lesson. When the film was brought back in 2023 because fans kept begging, it suddenly earned double the money it made the first time. The buzz was like a wave, and the film stayed on the big screen for over a month. I still remember the first day of the re‑release; the theatre was packed, and the cheers were louder than ever. What happened next is interesting the whole industry started treating the movie like a miracle.
From Being Called ‘Bechara’ to Being the Go‑to Guy
Honestly, the change in how people address you is mind‑boggling. One day, you’re the underdog everyone pats on the back, the next you’re the one they think is an expert. I started answering their queries with a bit of swagger, just because the confidence boost was real. I’d say, “Aap log ab mujhe advice ke liye bula rahe ho,” and a few would laugh, thinking I’m being cheeky. But deep down, I never let it affect me much. The people who truly matteredmy close friends, the directors who gave me chancesalways knew what I was capable of.
There’s a lot of self‑importance floating around in the film world. Everyone thinks they’re the centre of the universe. I’ve seen actors whisper "main star hoon" while they’re still waiting for a call‑sheet. I’ve also seen producers brag about the numbers of their Instagram followers, as if that’s the only metric of success. That’s why I often tell people, "Main Instagram pe 100k followers nahi tha 2024 tak, par phir bhi kaam karta raha." It’s not about boasting it’s just a reminder that talent can sparkle beyond numbers.
People started tagging me in posts about "viral news" and "trending news India" just because my name popped up in the conversation about the re‑release. It was a little overwhelming, but at the same time it felt like the universe was giving me a sign: maybe I’m on the right track after all.
The Myth of Instagram Followers and How I Bypassed It
Let me take a moment to talk about the Instagram myth. In most cases, you see actors with lakhs of followers, and there’s an unspoken rule that if you don’t have that many, you’re not “relevant”. I didn’t cross the 100K mark until 2024, yet I was already headlining shows and movies. The industry’s biggest production houses gave me a chance and that’s what mattered more to me than a number next to a profile picture.
When I think back, I remember one evening sitting in a tiny Mumbai chai‑stall, scrolling through comments. Some people were celebrating my progress, while others were just gossiping about “latest news India”. I realized that all this chatter is like a background noise. What truly drives you is the work you put in, not the count of likes. Even when the media starts calling my story "viral news", I stay grounded because my focus is on the next script, the next character.
Honestly, this whole follower discussion is a bit of a distraction. In the last five years, I’ve done a variety of roles some good, some… well, you can judge for yourself. But the point is, I’ve shown that an actor can survive and thrive without being a social media influencer. It’s a lesson for many upcoming talent who think that a big following is the only way to get noticed.
Diverse Roles From Parallel Lead to Villain
Speaking of variety, I’ve tried not to box myself into any template. I played a parallel lead in Madgaon Express and The Mehta Boys. Those characters let me explore a softer side, the guy who’s supportive yet has his own ambitions. Then came the antagonist gigs O’Romeo and the gritty role in Khakee: The Bihar Chapter. Those parts let me dive into darker emotions, and honestly, playing a villain is often more challenging than being the hero.
People sometimes worry that playing a villain might typecast you. Not for me. I see each role as a stepping stone, a chance to learn something new. The biggest fear for an actor, in my view, is to believe in “templates”. I never let those dictate my choices. As I told the interviewer, "All of this is just chatter for me; I don’t believe in ki aisa hi hota hai, aisa hi karna padhta hai." In most cases, the best performances come when you break away from the expected.
And you know what? That mindset helped me when I was a small‑town kid, travelling on crowded trains to Mumbai, thinking about how to make it in this chaotic industry. I kept reminding myself "Main bahot chhote ghar se aaya hoon, aur yahan tak pahunchne ke liye mujhe sirf kaam karna tha."
Mantra of Fearlessness and the ‘Bechara’ Tag
Growing up in a modest neighbourhood, I never imagined I’d be standing on a set with big production houses. But the mantra that kept me going is simple: be fearless and unstoppable. "Kaun kya soch raha hai, sochne do!" I’d say whenever someone tried to comment on my choices. The industry can be noisy, full of gossip and speculation especially when there’s "breaking news" about a film’s box‑office numbers or a star’s personal life.
When I first entered Bollywood, I didn’t do it because someone told me to. I did it because I wanted to tell stories. I remember the first audition I went to a cramped room, a panel of stern faces, and I was sweating like crazy. Yet, I walked out feeling alive. That feeling never left. Even when people call me ‘bechara’ for taking a risk, I smile and remember the tiny girl from my hometown who used to watch movies on a mono‑chrome TV and dreamed of acting.
Now, after all these years, I’m still the same person a boy who believes in hard work, not in the hype of ‘trending news India’. I keep my focus on the scripts, the characters, and the people I work with.
Why I Feel Like an ‘Exception in the Room’
When I look back at my first film, it was a small project but it gave everyone a glimpse of what I could do. After that, the industry seemed to understand my potential, even if they didn’t give me a blockbuster to flaunt. I have worked with some of the biggest production houses in the country and that, for me, is proof enough.
Many actors talk about how they need a ‘big hit’ to be taken seriously. I’ve never been obsessed with that idea. Destiny, in my view, has its own rhythm. The fact that after the re‑release of Laila Majnu people started knocking on my door for advice tells me that perhaps I am an exception, where typical rules don’t always apply.
My journey is far from over. I still get calls from youngsters asking how to survive the industry, and I try to give them honest answers. I tell them, "Don’t chase followers; chase stories. Work hard, stay true, and the rest will follow." That’s the simple advice that has helped me stay grounded.
Final Thoughts The Road Ahead
So, if you’re wondering what’s next for me, the answer is: more characters, more experiments, and definitely more stories that challenge the norm. The buzz around my name may be part of the "viral news" cycle, but my focus remains on the craft. The industry will always have its ups and downs, its gossip columns and "latest news India" headlines, but at the end of the day, it’s the work that matters.
My hope is that my experience from being called ‘bechara’ to becoming someone people seek advice from can inspire others to ignore the noise and follow their own path. After all, the only thing that truly matters is the story you tell, both on screen and in life.
