Interview
Shirin Sewani: A daily dose of relatable humour !
Shirin Sewani was born in 1993 in Delhi, India. She is an Actress, an Influencer, and a Youtuber. She did her schooling and graduation from Delhi itself. After completing her graduation she went to Mumbai to upskill her acting. Shirin started her career as a model and an actress in 2013. She got her first break in the famous television show ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’, where Shirin played the role of Jasmeet. Being a part of many other daily soap shows such as ‘Nagin’ and ‘Kavach’ she won many hearts. Shirin evolved through characters in significant movies like ‘Khandani Shafakhana’ and ‘Mannat’ also she bagged the chance to work on a short film named ‘Rabiya’.
The Paradox team came up with an interesting interview with her where she shared her overall experience of being a part of the Indian Entertainment Industry. Let’s have a look at what Shirin has to say.
Was being an actress your childhood dream?
Shirin: Yes, I started acting when I was in 5th standard. So, I observed an inclination towards acting since my schooling days and even in college. I got admission to Kirori Mal College through the ECA quota in acting. I was passionate about acting since childhood and that’s why kept acting in theatres in Delhi. Being a single child I was always skeptical of changing the city and I wasn’t aware of the Entertainment Industry. One random day, I decided to visit Mumbai and have a look at the scenario there.
I went to Mumbai just for 2 months with the mindset of just taking a glimpse of Bollywood. But I believe I was lucky enough that during those two months I got my first break and from then it kept going further. I never planned to visit Mumbai and take up acting as a full-fledged career. I guess the universe planned this for me, and it has been great.
How did you get your first break?
Shirin Sewani: I was in Mumbai, giving auditions every day. I used to motivate myself by saying, ‘Why are you here? You left your parents, your house, your friends… just for the purpose to be successful in acting’. But the atmosphere was completely different here. Till yesterday I was at my home, in my comfort zone, getting up with coffee and getting pampered, and today, I’m here alone, struggling for my future, facing rejections and whatnot. I also felt demotivated a lot.
One day I got a call from one team asking me to visit their office. I went there with the thought that they have just called to meet, no need to get happy, nothing much would happen. But when I reached there, they were ready with the contract offering me to play the role of Jasmeet for ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’, and this is how I got my first break. I was very excited about this role.
How was your experience with ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’? Do you use watch yourself on the television?
Shirin Sewani: Yes, I used to watch the show, when it was a regular broadcast on TV. It’s very humanistic to do it, as it’s your debut, you are on the big screen for the first time and you are part of such a big show. All these factors were the reason for being excited. I was excited as well as my family and friends were equally excited about the show. I kept on checking on myself by watching the show, whether I was good at acting, how was the overall performance, did I paid justice to the character I was playing, where I was not that good, areas where I can improve myself, were the emotions correct.
So, I always watch my shows and every time I go through a particular scene then I think that I would have done better here. And I like doing this activity as it makes me more prepared for my next role. The learning never stops. No one is perfect and that is the reason why you need to keep on learning and improve yourself.
Out of all the characters you have played, which one is your favorite?
Shirin Sewani: I never compare the characters, every character is different from one another. Every character has its own story, own script, and own journey and I think that is the beauty of being an actor. Jasmeet will always be a special character for me as it was the first character I played. Also, Jasmeet was a character who became very popular and a favorite amongst all the mothers. I think that being a Delhi girl helped me to add a bit of Punjabi flavor to the character of Jasmeet. These factors make Jasmeet a very special character for me. If we talk about my personal opinion then I played the character of ‘Rapchik’ in the series called ‘Only For Singles’ which was released on MX Player.
This was a character that is very close to my heart as I was able to relate to it up to a great extent. The nature, the vibe, and the inner core of the character were quite relatable to me. I was very happy playing this role as I was able to act in something different from the roles I used to play in the previous shows. I enjoyed a lot playing that character.
Are you a travelholic as your character ‘EVA’ from the show ‘Backpackers’?
Shirin Sewani: Yes, I am a travelholic. I love to travel and explore new places. I haven’t traveled much yet because I was pretty occupied with my work. But I will travel as I get time. I am the kind of person who is always up for the plans of trips and travels. Eva was a character that had a sense of commitment and had no plans of settling down, but I guess I am a bit different from her at that point as I decided of settling down much earlier.
How will you differentiate the experience of working in serials from the experience of working in movies?
Shirin: This is the most common question I had come across, as I have worked in T.V, movies, and web series. And I have always said that it doesn’t matter. Being an actor I haven’t ever thought that I will act in the movies and serials differently. I read the script, try to understand the character, and see what the director is looking for in the character. It is about how you want the story to be narrated and how you want the character to be portrayed.
For example,
there will be no difference in the character of Jasmeet. She is a Punjabi girl who is a little crazy and weird, a little loud and she will be the same even if she was in the movie rather than in the serial. This is because the character and the director wanted it to be like that. Only the platform will be different, you are working for a T.V show where you need to work for 12 hours and perform on the spot, but I think this makes you more skilled. And to provide the audience with quality roles is the job of the actor, even under high-pressure situations.
What was your parent’s reaction when you decided to give your passion for acting a shot and visit Mumbai for 2 months?
Shirin Sewani: I have heard many people complaining that their parents are not supportive of them. But in my case, it was different. They were supportive more than I expected. In every possible way, they showed their support and told me that I can do whatever I want to. They had a good amount of trust in me and they believed that I know what I was doing.
The second thing is that they never put pressure on me for that, they were like, ‘if you want to go then give it a try, give your 100%. If you succeed then it’s best, but even if you don’t then no problem and at least you won’t have any regret.’ I would advise all the parents to let their kids try, even if they fall. If something is meant to happen then it will happen no matter how much you try to avoid it. Let them live on their own. Just give your 100% and don’t worry about the results.
Whom would you consider as your favorite co-actor?
Shirin Sewani: I would say, Aman Sharma, because he was my first co-actor. He was more experienced than me. I was very scared during the initial days because it was a new city, with new faces and it was a completely new industry for me. He helped me a lot during that time. We used to rehearse acting and dancing together. I remember we used to have dance practice for the show at 12, but we used to be there by 10 and rehearse. We used to convince our choreographers to teach us by the time everyone arrives and get ready. We were always ready for the practice and sometimes we even shout at each other when we make mistakes. But we did all these because we wanted to do our best and shine in the performance.
Any incident/memory from your previous projects which you will never forget?
Shirin Sewani: There is always some sort of memory from each project we do. You create a memory with every show you do, every project you do. I remember when I was performing for ‘Only For Singles’, there was a scene in which the character wanted to wrap up things and get back home, and was very tense. I got so indulged and drawn towards the scene that even after the cut I was crying and then the crew came for help and tried to collect myself.
And I think this is the beauty of acting that you try to relate with the character and the scene from your real-life incidents and experiences. There are tons of memories while shooting for ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ as well. I remember we were in Lucknow shooting for the show and my parents visited me there, spending quality time with my family after the shoot is also a memory. So these are all the memories and there are a lot more as well.
Who has been your inspiration, as you said you dreamt of being an actor since your childhood?
Shirin Sewani: To be honest, many people have been inspiring me. It started when I used to mimic my teachers in school when I was in 3rd or 4th standard. I use to mimic the people who inspired me. But if I have to take names from the industry then it would be Abhishek Banerjee. I have seen him since my college days, he struggled a lot. He gave many years to casting and did amazing films as a casting director. Then he did films like ‘Stree’. He was my senior in college and now watching him in such great projects inspires me.
If you wouldn’t have picked acting as your career then what other profession you would have chosen?
Shirin: I graduated with B.Ed. So the plan was of being a teacher if I won’t have been an actress. I completed my B. Ed, while I was doing ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’. I had 2 options, I would have been a chef instead as well. I love cooking and enjoy it like nothing else. If I get the chance then I would have done something in this field as well. I love hosting people as well whether it be for a party or an event. So if I wasn’t an actress then I would have many options to look up for.
How do you manage your personal and professional life? And what do you do in your, ‘Me Time?
Shirin Sewani: First of all it is all about learning to manage the time between both of them. I have never given anyone a chance to complain that you don’t give us enough time. Everything asks for efforts to make them sufficient. I always prioritize both things equally. It shouldn’t happen that you get into work so much that you fail to enjoy the time with your family and friends. You should work, of course, I also love to work but I manage to give time to my family as well. So, this balance is very necessary.
And, answer to the question that what I do in my free time is in my hobbies. I do cooking and try to make more delicious dishes. I love doing it and enjoy it in my free time. I also try to work out during that time as well. Also, I always do something related to my profession. I chill out with my friends, go to their place, and have fun. I choose what I want to do and then enjoy it accordingly.
You recently got married, so how did you meet your life partner? And how did you decide to get married to each other?
Shirin Sewani: I met him at my friend’s party. It was a very casual meeting, there was no drama or love at first sight sort of things. My friend introduced us and then we became friends. Then our parents met and got things ahead. I believe that he was someone who was supposed to come into my life. This is because all these things were so unplanned and came all of a sudden. And the journey has been great since then.
What are the advice and suggestions that you would give to the people who are entering the industry?
Shirin Sewani: I would say that be well prepared and then come into the industry. If you think that you can do it, there is nothing much, it would be easy, then it’s not correct. It is not that easy. Trust me the process is really difficult, the struggle is real, and you need to be sustainable. Give your 100% and remember that our industry works on luck as well, be prepared for that. Learn to face rejections, you will be giving many auditions and facing the rejections as well.
Be prepared for that. Be patient, it is not an easy industry to get in. you need to be patient and wait until the opportunity comes to you, you won’t get work from the first day itself. Don’t give up easily, be patient, and stay consistent. Work up on your skills. Acting is not all about looks, you need enough skills to give justice to the character. So, work on improving your skills.
What kind of roles do you want to play? Like the role which you want to play once in your career?
Shirin Sewani: Honestly speaking, I am happy with the kind of roles that came my way. All the roles which I have played are different from each other. But if you ask me what kind of roles I would like to play then my answer would be roles that are a little raw and not afraid of anyone. The role of Kangana in the movie ‘Tanu Weds Manu’, was very impressive. I like this kind of role which is a little more realistic. I am not very choosy about the roles, whichever you will give to me I will accept it and try to give my best for that character.
What are your future projects?
Shirin Sewani: There are a few projects which I will be announcing soon. And there are a few web series coming as well. But all things took a back seat due to the pandemic. I hope that all these problems get solved soon so that we can start shooting again. Hopefully, everything goes well and I will be back on the screen as soon as possible.
Did you ever plan how your wedding would be? Any childhood dreams for your wedding?
Shirin Sewani: I wanted to keep my wedding very simple. I wanted to keep my wedding private and keep it between our families only. It was a mutual decision by both of us that we want to keep it simple and enjoy our moment rather than be with the crowd and the guests. I think the decision came out to be perfect, we enjoyed the whole ceremony and it was very beautiful.
https://instagram.com/shirin_sewani?utm_medium=copy_link
Shirin Sewani Instagram is all things fun laugh and relatable!
This was the interview with Shirin Sewani. She talked about her struggles, her journey, her most memorable moments, and much more.
The inspiring journey and the humble nature of the actress will leave a mark, on your heart. All the best to Shirin for all her future projects.
Interview
Meera Joshi: An all rounder personality
Meera Joshi: An all rounder personality
Meera Joshi is an all rounder personality, from working as an assistant choreographer in dance reality shows such as ‘street dance’, being a contestant in ‘Dance India Dance- season 4’ and holding 3 world records and 3 Indian records along with being a dubbing artist and an influencer. She had won all of our hearts. Let us see what Meera has to say.
Meera Joshi’s instagram:
https://instagram.com/meerajoshi_?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Q1). Can you tell us about your journey as a dancer and a choreographer….
Meera Joshi: So my journey as a dancer and a choreographer started with participating in the ‘local mandals’ and that’s when my mom realized that I like dancing, and then I joined dance classes. My father was a bank manager, and he used to transfer every three years. So, in Ratnagiri I learned Kathak for two years, Bharatanatyam for seven years in Satara, and in Pune I learned Latin American dance styles. By then I started participating in inter-college competitions and I won prizes. That’s when I realized that dancing is not just my hobby, maybe I want to pursue it as a profession. Then I joined many dance groups in Pune and became a side dancer and danced behind Marathi celebrities.
After that I started giving auditions for dance reality shows as well and finally got selected for my first ever show in 2010 “Street Dance”. It was a group dance competition and so I was a part of a group. I used to go from Pune to Mumbai. In 2011, I got into another dance reality show. By the time I graduated in German language, I stood third in University. That was the time to decide whether to go for post graduation or go to Mumbai.
My family was a little skeptical about this profession because living in Mumbai- a completely different city and getting a job with this profession was a little difficult. So my family wanted me to go for post graduation and then join some IT company or become a translator. But with the help of my mother I went to Mumbai, and that was the first time my mom let me travel alone. I was going to Infinity (there are a lot of rehearsal halls) for the rehearsals and I asked the auto guy what the fare would be and it was a shock for me hearing the price. But some lady overheard me and asked to share the fare and that was my first ever ride in Mumbai. And overall it was really welcoming.
The real Job
Then I freshened up. And that was my first day of work, in 2012 as an assistant choreographer for “Dance India Dance- little Champs” where Faisal Khan was the winner and I was assisting Prince Gupta, that was a team of Faisal Khan. After that eventually I got recognition and I assisted many choreographers such as Jalak Dikh Jaa… and simultaneously I was improving my dance styles such as hip hop and contemporary dance etc because it is difficult for a classical dancer to catch up. And finally in 2013, in “Dance India Dance, season 4” I was a participant.
But then a few rounds later I realized that something was wrong with my back and the channel people took x-ray and things. And they found out that something was wrong with my spine and they suggested that we should stop here due to the medical emergency but I insisted on being a participant as it was my dream. And Mithunda insisted for me that if I was that willing, then let me continue as a contestant.
But I knew somewhere that my back won’t be able to support and after top 14 I got eliminated. And then I started helping people by assisting them with choreography. I assisted Sumit Shahil, Puni Verma for Bajirao Mastani then again Shimla Mirchi film and for Poster boys etc… And after almost 13 reality shows I realized that I can do something more. And I decided to do something on camera which had less dancing and eventually started auditioning for acting.
Q2). You have been an all rounder, a dancer, choreographer, an actress, dubbing artist and an influencer… Do you think your fans might have much higher expectations from you?
Meera Joshi: “I think people will keep expecting till you die” whether in a professional life or personal, people will expect something or the other and that’s a natural human behavior… and if you’re a stage performer, people will keep on expecting more and more the next time.. And there’s nothing wrong with that. That is something which motivates you to grow. And do better than before, going to an upper level. And that’s why I’m here today, I expected something from myself. My parents, my well wishers, everyone around me expected me to grow. And that’s what led me to give auditions, become a side dancer to the main dancer and even start acting. “Expectations are the key to growth.”
Q3). What do you love to do the most amongst all the professions that you do?
Meera Joshi: Well i really cannot pinpoint any one profession among these, i like dancing cause that’s where I started and as a choreographer if I am not able to do any dance steps or if I don’t fit in the dance or the song. I have this vision which I portray through others by teaching them and reaching to the audience. The vision that I have, I love to share it with others. So, I love to choreograph as well.
Even in acting, I got to explore many characters and that is what I love the most. Dubbing is also the same, that’s when I got to know that my voice is also a charm in itself. While influencing was also fun, back then not many Marathi influencers were there in the industry. I did some projects for clothing brands and beauty products and I remember not shopping for almost 2 years. And I loved the perk of free shopping plus earning out of them. So I enjoyed every profession that I perceived.
Q4). While shooting for Bajirao Mastani, you got an inspiration to start your career in acting… is that true? What inspired you to do so?
Meera Joshi: Before Bajirao Mastani, I was already pursuing several professions and as an assistant choreographer I thought till when will I just keep assisting. And getting a good movie where I can be the lead choreographer would have been a lot difficult plus it would have taken me years and years… As movies were the only option where we could choreograph or showcase our skills back then.
So I had to choose a profession which will give me recognition by face. And acting was it. That’s what I realized on the set of Bajirao Mastani. And then with zero experience in theater or acting I started giving auditions for acting. I had no mentor or a guide who can provide me with acting guidance or who can help me get a role in a movie. That’s where I had to struggle and even now after 13 years in the industry, So, I guess that will go on till the end.
For one and a half year I wasn’t able to crack any auditions and I still remember my first audition where I had to give an introduction and I asked them “what does that mean?” So yes it was my learning period and initially I did crowd roles such as praying in the temple while the hero and heroine are the main focus. And then I’m glad, my parents were really supportive, especially my mom was very supportive of everything that I did. Even financially but again I had this to earn money myself. So yes I did projects as well.
Q5). You are such a beautiful lady, is there any secret to your beauty?
Meera Joshi: Thank you so much. I think every soul is beautiful in their own way but of course that is off camera. I have been called ugly many times and been rejected for that. It’s like maybe you’re pretty and cute but you’re not a heroine material. Even for the skin color, they said, “you’re not fair enough so you don’t fit into our projects.” Thank you again, but I don’t think there’s any secret to it. I guess being positive and being around positive people, living a healthy life can be called the secret.
Q6). You have 3 world records and 3 Indian records in dancing… How do you feel about this achievement?
The first world record:
Meera Joshi: The world record things actually just happened, it wasn’t planned. I love trekking and traveling. So, I got in touch with this man named Anand Bansode- he is the Everest man of India. He climbed Everest. He asked me if I want to join them to climb “Kokan Kada” and hoist the longest flag on 26th of January and make the world record. And I said okay I’d love to do that.
The second world record:
And then the second time in Lockdown, everybody was trying to be active on social media. That’s when five Marathi actresses decided to dance Antaksari, a kind of thing which included recording dance pieces. So I got to dance to a song that starts with ‘ka’. And I danced to “Kanta Laga”. So others did the basic dance steps as they were not dancers but actresses. So I decided to dance outside the house as it wasn’t able to shoot inside. And my mom helped me with it, literally climbing on top of the car to shoot me. Then I edited the video as I had a little basic knowledge about it. But the other actresses pointed out that my video was not shot inside the house despite the theme being ‘lockdown’ and they pushed me off the project which made me a little sad.
Then I thought of posting it on my social media anyway and it blew off. So I started creating dance reel content and at that time people didn’t shoot these kinds of videos. And then I was traveling to Kachchh, Gujarat and I told a passenger to shoot a video on ‘chaiyya chaiyya’ of me. There I shot a one minute video. And people loved it. So, I thought I should do everything together, traveling, dancing, shooting etc… So I clubbed everything together.
The third world record:
And then I was traveling to Chopta…we started at 3am in the morning and reached there at 7 for sunrise and we shot a video and I checked if anybody had shot a video here because it was the world’s highest Shiva temple. And nobody had performed surprisingly. So I contacted Anand Bansode and asked him if we can do anything about the world record. And then I sent it for approval and within fifteen days I got approved and I was the first actress to perform at the world’s highest Shiva temple. This news went viral and people actually loved it.
After that I went to Hemkund, which is the world’s largest Gurudwara. So I almost trekked for 16-17 hours and then I performed there and again sent it for approval and it worked out again. So yes that’s how the 3 world records happened.
Q7). What are your upcoming plans and goals?
Meera Joshi: Well my plan right now is to earn more money by working hard and my goal is to buy a nice house of my own and on my own in Mumbai. Like I’ve been living in Mumbai for 13 years and paying rent. And in my family everybody has their own house, it’s only me who doesn’t have anything on her name yet. So that’s my dream right now.
Q8). How was your experience working on Amazon for “Crimes Aaj Kal”… Do you plan to work again in the future?
Meera Joshi: My first web series was Myra, it was in lockdown and we shot it on a sample flat in Nagpur. My second web series was “Indori Ishq” in which I played the role of Alia. And people loved it. Basically, I got a call from the casting director and he told me he wants my audition for a character and they sent me the script. So there were two characters, one was Alia, a 21 year old college passout student and the other was a prostitute. So I thought obviously, the second role would be for me as I was 29 back then. But the director told me he wants me to audition for Alia. And I was glad because I thought people still consider me as a young actress. And my co-actor was Ritik Shauri and he was 20. He was almost 10 years younger than me.
I was really conscious about how I would look because being a 30 year old and acting to be a partner of a 20 year old was a different thing. So matching up to him was a difficult thing but then people loved my character. And then I got selected for “Crimes Aaj Kal”, I was auditioned three times. And they asked me if I was an athlete and then I said I am a classical dancer. But then I wasn’t able to match three other guys who were really tall and athletic. And my director was like you said you were an athlete what happened but eventually we shot the scene…
Q9). Considering how busy your schedule might be, how do you find time for yourself?
Meera Joshi: I don’t think it’s a difficult task for you to find time for yourself if you love yourself. Because if you love yourself, you’ll find time for yourself anyhow. And in my profession we don’t have a routine so I get time for myself when I don’t have any work. I watch films, go for a walk, eat well.. And I love street food and I keep myself happy with that. I love to spend time with myself, I’ll always find “me time” even if I have a busy schedule. So finding time for myself is not a big task.
Q10). Out of all characters, which one is your favorite and why?
Meera Joshi: Every character that I played was different. So I don’t think I have any favorite character. In Marathi films, people viewed me as an evilish, villianish and glamorous personality while in Hindi films I was viewed as the soft ‘sanskari’ girl. People viewed me really differently, there was this contrast and it really confused me. Which also helped me portray many different characters though. In Marathi serial, I have played a Witch and then I’ve also played an evil daughter in law. And then in ‘Chandana’ a short film I played a poor girl living in a village, fighting for the right to basic education. That was something really heart touching.
“Indori Ishq” for that, i played a character of a 21 year old college passout student. Being a 30 year old I had to act as a partner of a 20 year old actor was a difficult and a different task. And for ‘Crimes Aaj Kal’ I played a cop, so again it was really different. And in Myra I got to be a heroine. So yeah, “There’s a lot and many colors to explore.”
Q11). What are the three things that you would like to change about yourself?
Meera Joshi: I think I can be more ignorant about a few things and take everything a little less seriously because not everything needs to be answered. Let’s say somebody passing a comment should be ignored. And it’s not necessary to pay attention to everything that happens around you. I guess that will make me happies. Sometimes I really tend to give too much attention to trollers and that makes me a little dejected. Being ignorant becomes a necessity sometimes and I am trying to do that.
Second thing, I think I should be a little more patient. Not that I’m too impatient but the More patient I am the more things will come to me.
Lastly, this is a funny thing but if God could change my dusky skin tone, and make me a little fair then maybe… maybe I could get more work. In a funnier way though. Now I’ve got acceptance about myself, my skin tone, my body and I think I’m very comfortable in my skin. I love myself.
Q12). If you are given a chance to visit any fictional world, what would you choose and why?
Meera Joshi: To be precise, Harry Potter. Back then when I was in school Harry Potter was the ultimate crush. And Hogwarts is something I would love to visit if it is possible and I am given a chance to.
Q13). Your fans might be eagerly waiting for you to say something to them… So anything?..
Meera Joshi: For upcoming projects, there’s a new movie “Orange Lily” that is going to be released and I’m playing the title role and a few upcoming item songs are to be released. Keep loving me and keep giving me your love and support… Every artist needs that. Be careful of what you have to say to anybody because it might hurt them and rethink it. They might end up making different decisions which they would not if things were a bit different. So yes, keep loving everyone because everybody is working as hard as you are. Life is beautiful, live peacefully.
It has been a 13 years long professional journey in Mumbai and I’m grateful to my parents because of them I was able to pursue my hobby as a profession. Especially my mom, without her I wouldn’t be able to be what I am today. Also grateful to everyone who loved and supported me, without them growing wouldn’t have been possible. It inspires me to do better projects. So thank you very much. Please keep loving me.
Visit the below link to read more inspiring articles:
www.theparadoxnews.com
Interview
Ashish Patil – THE enthralling journey of the LAVNIKING!
LAVNIKING Ashish Patil. B.Sc (computer science) from Birla College Kalyan. Specialized in Bollywood, classical, Semi-classical, Folk, and contemporary dance in Marathi and Hindi industry for 19 years now. Recently was a Finalist of a Dance show. High Fever Dance ka Naya-never on TV.
An energetic, awe-inspiring, and imposing grand Classical – Semi-Classical Dancer and Celebrity Performer who breathed dance from his childhood and his passion took him to India Satellite First Dance Competition Boogie Woggie attained applauds by winning the competition. Passion turned into Fascination and in his teens, he shot to fame by winning the most acclaimed award for his splendid Classical Choreography in 2010 Eka Peksha Ek. A habit of delivering fresh moves to feature innovations in his dance forms and finally that one platform which he had dreamt day and night shot recognized him as one of the Best Classical Semi-Classical Dancers. And as a performer and an outstanding choreographer in Eka Peksha Ek – Season 2. And as the judge in Dholkichya Talavar.
1)Can you tell us how you started on this journey?
Ashish Patil : I have done my B.Sc IT from Brila College, Kalyan. And yes! I am an IT student and have been dancing since I was four. When I was young my mother used to see me moving around the house and as the saying goes mother always knows what her child is capable of? So it was my mother who first figured out that I can be a dancer.
The mother is always the first teacher and in my case, my mother is the one who taught me dancing. I am not a trained dancer and have not taken any formal training initially. Also, there was this show on Doordarshan “Chitrahar”, we used to watch it and my mother would point out the expressions of the contestants and tell me that that’s how I have to express myself when I dance. So yes that is how my dance journey began.
2) What impact did dance have on your life?
Ashish Patil : As a child one certainly needs a platform to express and develop oneself and dance has always been that platform for me. Since I was young I was always fascinated by Indian dancing and loved the feminine kind of dance. Because of that, I was called names in school and college time. But dance was something that me feel like the happiest man in the world. I used to forget myself and go into a zone. I believe that when I dance I reach to the almighty and feel near him somehow. And at times I cry after my performances. So dance gave me a platform through which I can express and find myself.
3) Is there someone from the industry that had an influence on you?
Ashish Patil: Since a young age, I was very much influenced by Madhuri Dixit. And during that time Madhuri numbers were very famous on “Chitrahar.” And yes I used to see her and fall in love with her dance. I used to tell myself that I would dance someday on television. I have always loved her song “Chane ke khet me”, it’s very expressive and that is one dance that influenced me as a young kid. Also of course Juhi Chawla and Sri Devi have influenced me a lot but Madhuri Dixit if I must say is my first love for dance.
4)Your journey is filled with hardships. How did you overcome the challenges?
Ashish Patil: Yes, the journey was difficult. Though we live in a society where men and women are equal still a guy wears a kurta and is teased and asked why are you dressed like a girl? SO ever since I was young it was difficult to walk in public because people used to call me names when I passed by. So the journey of being a dancer, contestant, performer, and now a judge on a reality show was not easy as I had waited for nineteen years. I have struggled for nineteen years in this industry. I have worked hard and learned so much for so many people, good and bad.
And also what to do and what not to do. I feel that if you want to become a dancer the first and most important skill required is to believe in yourself that you can do it. And I always believed in myself. I am passionate about my work and dedicated to my talent and am always focused on the goal. So to achieve anything in life I have four steps: Patience, Dedication, Passion, and Staying true to yourself.
5)What inspired you to pursue Indian classical dancing?
Ashish Patil: I have always loved the sound of ghungroo. My sister used to learn Bharatanatyam but could pursue it as it was not taken positively by our family. But the sound of ghungroo, the costume, I used to love the colors. And so this is how I started discovering that this is Bharatanatyam, this is Kathak, Lavni, and so on. Our Indian culture is filled with so many colors and I am obsessed with it, especially the bright colors. So I guess the colors and sound of ghunhroo brought me toward Indian dancing.
https://instagram.com/ashishpatil_the_lavniking?igshid=MmU2YjMzNjRlOQ==
6)Who has played a major role in your life?
Ashish Patil: As I mentioned earlier my first and foremost supporter has always been my mother and she has always believed in me. She used to lie to me when I went to the competitions as my father never liked me dancing. As I used to do Indian dancing, his friends used to always question him – how will he earn? Who will marry him? Stuff like that. But my mother has always supported me in whatever I did. She loved watching me on stage because I was the happiest when I performed. Also, she is my critic and my number one fan.
7)How do you manage the negativity that surrounds an artist?
Ashish Patil: Yes, it is challenging, especially being a male classical dancer. In India, we worship all the gods and goddesses but most of them don’t know the story about them. And I always feel that the god of dance “The Natraj” He himself is a Shivsakti which is a rare combination. So my mother encouraged me saying I am blessed with this combination so make the best out of it. Initially, I was bothered about what people thought but they were not going to save me when I met with an accident or they were not going to pay my bills.
So now all I care about is what my parents and loved ones say. I have gone through many ups and downs on my own and faced them alone. I feel that every problem has a solution. And if the problem doesn’t have a solution why worry? So just do the best with what you can and I just do that.
8)What are your thoughts on the life of an artist in the entertainment industry?
Ashish Patil:The industry looks very glamorous for an outsider. People are like he works in the entertainment industry and what a life he lives. But the most difficult life is that of an artist. People who work in a company have their timings fixed but when an artist has to work day and night because that’s what we are paid for. Many times there are night shoots or shoots in hot sun. It is very difficult for an artist to maintain the same energy throughout the song. Because the song is of just 3 minutes but the shoot goes on for das. So I think an artist’s life in the film or any industry is challenging but it is up to you how you manage it.
9)What kind of people do you like to work with?
Ashish Patil: Initially, I walked on this journey alone. But as time passed by people joined and now I have my own team. And I believe in trying to give love and appreciation to people which I did not get at the start of my journey. So I always work with those people who are focused and dedicated in what they do. And I love working with such people. A team is important because when you work with a team your project hits harder. Because there are a lot of creative minds. Yes, I call them team and not assistant because they are like my family members who are by my side. Also, I feel that when you are working as a team you need to be a good leader. And not a boss.
10)What advice would you like to give to someone who is suffering on their journey?
Ashish Patil:When you work the best way toward your goal, not initially but somewhere at some point you will be successful. And once you reach there by default you get fame. These days fame is easy due to social media. But I feel that it is just a moment of fame like an elevator that works on its own speed, we cannot control it. But when you are climbing the stairs and you fall you can get up. You can control yourself because you are walking on your own.
I believe that one needs to fight their own battle. It is like when you climb the stairs you can feel each step. Same way when you take the hard route you can sense the feel who stood by you and can feel a sense of respect for them. I always believe in the line – Give respect take respect. Last but not the least – “Kehte hain agar kisi cheez ko dil se chaho; to puri kainaat usse tumse milane ki koshish mein lag jaati hai”