Synopsis
Shashank Arora reflects on his acting journey from 'Titli' to 'Superboys of Malegaon,' discussing the challenges of portraying characters that are personally relatable, while also sharing insights about his experiences in the film industry and the importance of storytelling.Key Takeaways
- Shashank Arora debuted in 2014 with 'Titli.'
- He believes that relatable characters can be difficult to portray.
- Workshops and mentorship have been crucial in his development.
- His role in 'Superboys Of Malegaon' emphasizes loyalty and dreams.
- He appreciates the unique filmmaking environment in Malegaon.
Mumbai, March 5 (NationPress) Shashank Arora began his acting career in 2014 with the neo-noir crime thriller 'Titli' and later appeared in films such as 'Rock On 2' and 'Superboys of Malegaon'. The actor discusses the challenge of portraying characters that resonate closely with the performer.
"Workshops were instrumental for me, and my previous training has thankfully allowed me to be vulnerable enough to embody the role. Atul Mongia, who conducts the workshops, is a genius. The other credit goes to my acting mentor, Rob Reece, who taught me the craft I know," Shashank revealed about his experience on 'Titli'.
Subsequently, Shashank Arora featured in the iconic film 'Rock On 2', seizing the opportunity.
Reflecting on the film, Shashank stated, "I portrayed a classically trained musician, playing the sarod and a bit of the bass guitar. Characters that are closer to you are tricky because it can lead to a lazy portrayal. However, the character in 'Rock On 2' was also quite distant from me, being a Banarasi sarod player striving to break into the music industry, but not as intricate as 'Titli'."
In his latest project 'Superboys Of Malegaon', the actor takes on the role of a small-town dreamer who values loyalty in friendship.
"What drew me to Malegaon were individuals who prioritize stories and emotions over money, along with friends who risk everything to create a film. That's what led me to Malegaon," he explained.
Shashank expressed his thoughts on what he termed a "bizarre breeding ground of filmmaking," comparing it to Mumbai, which may appear different to its residents but is, in reality, even more unusual.
He also mentioned the challenges of working within constraints for the film.
"With any character based on a real person, you have stricter parameters. My director, Reema Kagti, offers a blend of guidance and freedom. It’s the actor's responsibility to utilize them effectively," he added.
Shashank shared screen time with Vineet Kumar Singh and Adarsh Gourav, calling them among the "finest actors" in the nation.
"The journey thus far has not been straightforward for me. I arrived here without any connections. But Kamal Hassan recently referred to me as his favorite actor, so I suppose things are going well," he concluded.
