RAHUL SHARMA, who plays Sarthak Yadav in Pyaar Ki Luka Chuppi on Dangal TV, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about the challenges associated with going back to work amid the pandemic and how it is important to talk about depression
How did you end up being an actor?
I never wanted to be an actor to begin with. But then I was told about a modeling assignment that I should take up. My brother insisted that I join the workshop which lasted for 10 days. During the workshop there was a performance round and I was rather apprehensive about it. One of the event managers told me to do a particular act for five minutes. At the end of it 200 people were clapping for me. That is when I thought that I could act. Then I joined the theatre — NSD workshop for 20 days. I enjoyed it so much that I decided then and there that this would be my profession.
Any regrets? How has the journey been thus far?
I have no regrets. Whatever has come in my life has taught me to be a good human being. I only took the positives and took lessons from there and moved forward. The journey had been superb. I am thankful to God that I have got shows where despite people saying that the TV industry is woman-oriented, I have had a different experience altogether. I have got different roles and made a place for myself in the last 10 years that I have been here. So far so good.
What made you say yes to Pyaar Ki Luka Chuppi?
I was asked to meet the makers. I listened to the story and was impressed by the shades that the character, I was to play, had. I wanted to play a role where I could do different layers with a love story. The show offered me both. The screenplay is great and I love being part of it.
Was it tough to get your first break?
Yes, it was tough. When I came to Mumbai, I didn’t know anybody here. I didn’t even know where to stay. I had to struggle for two years. I went for random auditions. The struggle was real. Whenever I went for an audition, I was told that I was shortlisted, but I never got a call back. If I have given 600 auditions, I was shortlisted for 300. But I couldn’t get a chance to get an ad, or film or a serial. But after a point I started getting ads. There is an interesting story about how I got my first show Kahani Chandrakanta Ki. I was selected, but after the workshop, I was thrown out. I was told I couldn’t act. A month later I got a call asking me to come back. I was told that the person taking the workshop was not competent enough and I had talent.
What made you reveal that you were depressed and fought it?
When you reveal that you have depression people look at you with pity. I never wanted that. I told my story after four years. I wanted people to know that one can fight it and that stars can be depressed as well. One has to just understand that the struggle is real and after when fights it, one is able to set an example as a success story that can inspire others and help them. That after struggling with it for almost eight months — I was able to beat it and come out a completely changed person — emotionally and professionally. This can help all those people within the industry as well who are in a similar situation.
How important is it for actors to talk about their depression so that it helps others?
One has to understand that we are people as well and can go into depression. It is normal especially in an actor’s life where we have to face many things and go through a phase. We carry an image and are scared to break it for the public. Some find it difficult to come out since they are at a stage where they can’t talk about it and are in a dilemma about what to do and end up more depressed. I urge people in the industry to speak about it with friends and family. Don’t let it consume you. Take baby steps and move forward.
Do you think that we have a long way to go before we recognise depression as a disease? What needs to be done?
The topic is still a taboo in our country and when people come to know that a particular person is depressed, they think he is crazy. This is wrong. One should not care what others think. Go see a good expert who can help you overcome this phase you are stuck in.
You have done many shows, a role that you identified with?
The most relatable character is Sarthak Yadav in Pyaar Ki… The character is very true to life. The emotions he feels are realistic and never seen in any drama show. I love playing Sarthak because what he does is commonly seen. People do stupid things and regret it.
Is it a challenge to get back to work now?
One is scared. But one also has to work. I do take all necessary precautions needed. We have been shooting for the last one month. We are now living in the era of COVID-19 and have to adjust to the new normal now.
