I did Ads, worked on digital with TVF, Arre, Filter copy, Bakkbenchers YouTube channels in comedy sketches. Side by side I did editing for companies events, ads, music videos, weddings which paid my rent for a while. I also hosted for major brands in and around Mumbai including MTV, Kwality walls, HUL, LinkedIn and many more. The hustle never stops.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
Born and upraised in a lower-middle-class family in a small town in Rajgangpur, Odisha which nobody has ever heard of, I was always taught not to be so ambitious. Become an engineer, get a job and live life tranquilly, which I did. Became a mechanical engineer, got a job after college in an MNC Steel plant. Worked there for 6 months, and then the calling happened. That’s where my turning point came. I was brought up by two widowed parents equally hand workers, empathetic and supportive of my ambitions. A bong stepfather is supportive of my extra-curricular activities and a strict UP mother who wanted me to always excel in my studies. Bullied in school, teased my batch mates, low self-esteem I had it all. There was a time I had no friends at all.
Nobody ever expected from me, nobody ever believed I could do something big ever. I believe that’s the best part, being an underdog always has its advantages. Soon, I was one of the popular kids in school. Apart from excelling in Academics, I kept excelling in Sports (was appointed the Sports Captain) and also went on to represent my school in state-level Kho-Kho and district level cricket tournaments. When it came to literary and cultural activities, dramas, elocutions, paintings, speeches and plays always fascinated me. I was always an all-rounder. I was the Gold Medalist in National Science Olympiad with 812 National Rank with 1st rank in State and School Topper. I had a natural urge since my childhood for extracurricular activities.
Engineering was another phase. The Mechanical fresher’s Party came across and I was so excited to compete for the Fresher Title. But little did I know, the organizers already had their favourite being decided as the fresher guy from our batch was a close friend of theirs But still, I went on the stage, proved myself and was awarded the Mr Mrerfect Title of Mechanical. It was the crowd’s favourites that mattered meto the most.
IN 2012, In my 2nd year, I had the urge to go for MTV Roadies. When I told people, they started laughing at me and soon they started calling me “Mr Roadie” to make fun of me every time. You know how you are given names in colleges. So, I planned and went to audition in Hyderabad. I stood in line along with 10000 other people from all over India. Went and gave my GD. I still remember all people clapped when I gave my opinion in the GD round. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go through the Personal Interview round. Somewhere, the glitz and the glamour did attract me. I felt good about myself that I went and did it. But people still made fun. “Kya Karta rhta hai, engineering krne aya hai ya Kuch aur??”
I excelled in my class being the topper, participated in college events, hosting, dancing and even went on to do ramp shows for the fashion club of the college. In 3rd year, I got selected for the Mahindra and Mahindra Internship which the top 100 best students of college competed in and I was one of the two who cracked it. I fought for everything and suddenly people started judging me. Is he an attention grabber? Why is he poking his nose everywhere? What does he want to prove? People who hated me to excel in Life. But I proved them all wrong Bagging the “Chancellor‘s Best Student Allrounder Award” of the batch in my convocation. Soon, I was also interviewed and featured in Fashion Magazines, radio and major newspapers.
I always loved the stage, being upfront, enjoying and loved cheering the crowd for me. Whether it was hosting events, walking on ramps, doing drama, I lived as a performer. Sometimes, you have to aim high to reach high. Working in the factory, aloof from the outside world living in my small bubble, soon I realized that I am not made for the care sector. I don’t see myself after 10 years in this field. I was not happy waking up every day and realizing that this is not what I will love to do for the rest of my life. So, I guess that’s when I realized that I am an Artist. I have always been a creative person. I wanted to go into Media and films as I have had my small fame already during my engineering days after auditioning for MTV Roadies reality show and also some few interviews and features in local newspapers about my journey.
I missed that. My parents refused initially but as they were always supportive of my career choices in past, they gave me a green light to shift from my engineering background to join the entertainment field. It was like travelling from the North Pole to the South Pole. Nobody from my entire clan, ever worked in this field so I was the first if I put it that way. Thus, on 22nd October 2014 I still remember, I applied for PG and MBA in media and entertainment at Whistling Woods International film Institute, Mumbai. I cracked the Interview and Exam on 7th November 2014 and even went on to do my admission on 12th November 2014. Those dates will always be memorable for me as they changed the course of my life.
My 2nd Innings started but I lost my form initially and had to struggle on the pitch for a while. I had to face a lot of bouncers, sledging and much more to settle down finally in the crease and play with ease with my batting strengths. Coming to Mumbai-City of Dreams and for a small-town boy like me, I had my fair share of ups and downs. Life wasn’t all hunky-dory here in Mumbai as I thought. Too much crowd to begin with and I kept saying myself, “Beta, yaha Kaise Naam banayega?!!”
I was intrigued and got a little intimidated by so many people who were just like me trying to make a name for themselves. I crossed my threshold and began pushing myself. On the journey, I did meet a lot of people who guided me on the journey. Some came as friends and some as teachers. All taught me great lessons. Inside I kept saying myself, “Itne aage agaya, aage bhi sab acha hi Hoga.” I used to watch all the inspirational movies to keep me motivated. My only initial aim was to just keep working hard and make a name here in Whistling Woods. I knew whatever I did in those 23 years before coming here was not of use, except that experience I gained.
I knew I had to start here again from zero and earn the respect. Sometimes I believe, most successful people tend to become their teachers to guide and channelize themselves on the journey. So, the first big test which I had to clear was to give a poetry audition for the weekly Celebrity Masterclass 5th Veda Event in front of the Showman, Subhash Ghai who is the chairman and founder of Whistling Woods International. I did crack the audition as he loved my performance and gave me improvement tips. So, things started to unfold for me from there. My first ever performance on the Whistling Woods stage happened and my encounter with little recognition.
Slowly and steadily, I shifted my gears and soon I was one of the popular students in College. Maintaining good aggregate throughout my MBA Semester till date and stood 1st in my exams, I proved my mettle not just in studies but also by winning the Whistling Woods Cricket League Season 2 under the Team D3 Titans, participating in debates, dance, drama, hosting and sports events. Also, I showed my compere skills by volunteering and hosting for the International Films Section in the Mumbai International Film Festival 2016.
But yeah, as you start to move ahead in life, there will always be haters and naysayers who will not want you to move ahead. And this was not new to me. I knew I had to hustle my way up. I did my internship with Qyuki-India’s top digital company as an editor in 2016. I worked in student films, side by side gave auditions for ads, tv and films. I worked as an assistant director in documentaries, college films and did everything to learn about filmmaking. At the weekends, I would go to a college library and read books on film making, acting and media. I also joined Shiamak Davar dance academy to hone my dance skills.
So, in the final semester, I knew I had to end this with a bang. I gathered a team and made a music video as the lead actor to release it via Zee Music Company. I went to Subhash Ghai sir, showed it. He loved it. The premiere was done in college with 200 students with Manoj Bajpai sir as a special guest. That’s where I knew ok, Acting is something I might pursue as a full-time profession. But then as artists, we are always uncertain. After college, I joined Vidhu Vinod Chopra films as his celebrity manager’s assistant. I realized 3 months into it, that if I kept working for him, I am not going to do anything for myself in the long run. I would be stuck. I decided to quit that job and take a leap of faith to work as a full-time actor or let’s just say artist finally.
2018, I started auditioning full time supported by my family financially. My best friends would support and pay my gym rent as well. I knew the stakes are high now. I did my debut on TV with CID Show then went on to do a reality show called Zee Expedition Season 1 which came on Zing where I was the runners up title winner and won a Yamaha FZ bike. I realized ok; this is it now I am going to make it. But then it was just another job, to be honest. 6 months and 1000’s audition later, I cracked the audition for the movie Chhichhore playing a small part. So I was fortunate enough to have the beginner’s luck working for me.
Soon, I did Ads, worked on digital with TVF, Arre, Filter copy, Bakkbenchers YouTube channels in comedy sketches. Side by side I did editing for companies events, ads, music videos, weddings which paid my rent for a while. I also hosted for major brands in and around Mumbai including MTV, Kwality walls, HUL, LinkedIn and many more. The hustle never stops. Part of the journey as an actor is to get rejected constantly during auditions because anyone who has studied the history of actors and auditioning knows you have to fit the character brief to audition for the part. There is no personal issue with you as a person. But then I was told, my voice is not for the TV, my nose is too big, I don’t have sharp features to be acting, I should try plastic surgery. It pulls you down but my inspirations have always been athletes and sportspersons.
2. Did you ever think or dream of being an actor?
I didn’t dream of becoming an actor. But yes being an entertainer, yes. To be on stage or camera- hosting those award shows, sports, acting, dancing and entertaining people. Eventually, as I said above, I took a leap and hopefully with time will establish myself as a successful entertainer both in India and International( I have plans.)
3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?
Being an actor is heavily upon oneself because constant hustle to learn the craft. Do theatre, learn about the script, your relation with co-actors what the writer wants and then your real-life experiences which will frame you as an actor. Constant auditions, studying in film or drama school, doing everything possible to be the most wanted actor in casting director’s eyes. You want to be a famous actor then first and foremost become famous on all casting directors list.
They call you for an audition and they know you only then you are going to crack it and then eventually people recognise you more. You got to give yourself time and understand doing one film or series won't do it. You want to have a career over 30-40 years then you got to do it right in the beginning. Do it for the love of your craft and love for being on camera and being able to get paid for it. And stop taking from people. JUST DO IT as Nike says it. There are hours and hours of material on acting, actors documentaries, youtube masterclasses. Watch everything. Work on dancing skills, read books, watch series and read scripts. It is a constrant 24*7 Hustle.
4. If not this, what would you be doing?
I definitely would be a sportsperson. A 100 m Olympic sprinter or a cricketer or just anything to do with sports. or maybe an astronaut.
5. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?
Just stop thinking like that as an outsider. It’s a profession. People have been doing it before you. Many will come after you. Figure out how the business works and do you have it in you to sustain and build on it. Have thick skin. You will be rejected not because of you. Don't take it personally. You are still talented. If you crack 2 out of 500 auditions, that a 90 per cent success rate as an actor. That’s how it works. 10 YEARS of hustle when you start.
6. What is your mantra of success?
Have that sweet aggression in you. It's like a competition and there are competitors. It's like a cricket match. You got to play your part. Decide whether you wanna be the match-winner or just someone who does his job for the team.
Thick skin and always think of the long run. It’s a marathon.
Constant growth personally and evolving with time.
Whatever it takes keeping your ethics intact. Even if it’s a holiday, still wake at 6 am, do your thing. That when it counts when nobody is watching.
Success is a moving target for me. At least you don’t achieve it in your minds. If people say that they have achieved their greatest success, then clearly, they have stopped pushing themselves further. There’s a whole life for me to conquer and live. Won’t stop until reaching the milestone. That is success to me’’.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
I don’t have any favourite books as such. I keep reading a lot of spiritual books, self helps and yes autobiographies and all books on acting. When things get tough, I go back to books. I like to read a lot so I like to speak more. Impart all that I got and give it to the people. That’s it.
- Amrit Kashyap (Actor)
Amrit Kashyap, 27, an actor, anchor, dancer, performer who appears on TV, Digital and films. His debut film Chhichhore released on 6th September 2019 and he has been doing theatre since he was 7 years old. Being on stage is his passion and he wrote, directed and acted in his play when he was in class 5. That's when he knew he was made for the stage. He also won the runners up title in India' first digital and Television Reality Show Expedition Season 1- Bharat ki Khoj as a reality show contestant on Zing in June 2018. Started his journey in the entertainment business from TV debuting in CID then going onto do a couple of serials. He then ventured into digital to play the lead in 3 music videos, the latest one released by Zee Music Video-Zindagi Mujhe Pukare. He also appears in digital sketches with leading digital platforms mainly Arre, Bakkbenchers, Filter copy and AIB. He is a professional host and has hosted events ranging from college fests to brand activations to corporate events to be a talk show celebrity host. He is also a student of Shiamak Davar Dance Academy.
MBA Media and Film Alumni from Whistling Woods International, Mumbai. Ambitious, Competitive and Passionate person who dared to dream big in life. A Mechanical Engineer who quit his job to ultimately follow his passion. During his Alma mater, he also received the Best Student all-rounder student of the batch and Best alumni Award because of his hard work and talent. Over the years, he has explored himself and being an All-rounder completes him. "Don't DREAM your LIFE, LIVE your DREAMS." Being a media professional and inspire people through his life is his ultimate goal. He is a people's person who likes setting targets and challenges for himself and try achieving them in the best possible way he can. Being a State-level Sportsperson makes him highly competitive and sportive. Life is all about winning and losing. So you got to stand up for yourself every time. You only have One LIFE.DO WHAT YOU LOVE.
- Interviewed By Pratibha Sahani
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