EXCLUSIVE: Sohum Shah Says Acting Was Not His First Job, Recalls When Hansal Mehta Gave Him A 500 Rs Note

Sohum Shah discussed his role in Reema Kagti’s 'Dahaad’ and also talked about the changes after the success of ‘Tumbbad’.

New Delhi: A crime-thriller 'Dahaad' is generating a lot of buzz because of the presence of talented actors like Sonakshi Sinha, Gulshan Devaiah, Sohum Shah and Vijay Varma. In an exclusive chat with ABPLive, Sohum Shah discussed his role in Reema Kagti’s 'Dahaad’. He also talked about the changes after the success of ‘Tumbbad’.

He compared the success of ‘Dahaad’ with exams in a recent interview with ABPLive. “It feels like you had prepared hard for an exam and now you got good marks,” Sohum said. 

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

You are from Rajasthan and ‘Dahaad’ is also set in Rajasthan, so does it help in any way?

Definitely, it helps in many ways. First of all, I think the language is something you already know. So I don't need to work hard to get the dialect. I believe there’s a nuance and rhythm in every language. It helped me a lot to play Parghi’s character. He is not rude, that’s his normal tone. From the outside, people may think he is rude and a very tough guy. But it’s the tone of the language and I am from Rajasthan so getting that tone helped me in this series. 

At first glance, Kailash Parghi seems like a ‘typical corrupt cop’ but the character has a sense of vulnerability. How was it to portray such a character?

It was not new for me because I am from a small town and I have seen life there. So, I don't think it’s fine to judge someone from the outside. First of all, I think it’s the job of an actor to understand the character and empathise with it. This is an actor’s first job. Secondly, I think I have seen many such people in life who look shady, corrupt and cunning from the outside but that’s not the case. Every man has a lot of shades, they have a different conditioning, upbringing and they go through different situations as well. So, I felt that I could represent them through this character. 

For instance, Mard bhi roo sakte hain. Humne bhot kamm dekha hai mardon ko screen pe rote huye. They can also be vulnerable and allowed to cry. So, it was beautiful for me and I’ve seen such people so I thought it would be fun to do. 

Do you think it becomes tough to stand out as an individual actor in a multi-starrer series like ‘Dahaad’?

I have no idea of standing out because I don't believe in that kind of acting. I think you should be a team player. If the project has an ensemble cast and someone else gets more appreciation and you get less, it's fine. If you have done your work with honesty, then it’s fine.

For me, it is important whether am I enjoying the project or not. Once you get more attention, people will watch your entire work, so it doesn't matter. Like, Parghi is a very interesting character for me since I have never done something like that before.

If you see Vinayak Rao or Bheema Bharti, they are very intense and masculine characters. This one is vulnerable, soft and emotional. People can connect to this character as they have seen such people around them. 

Reema was directing and Excel Entertainment was producing, so I don't have any interest in who else is getting into the limelight or how should I stand out. According to me, you can only stand out if you do your job with honesty.

How do you say yes to a project - If the story is good or if your role is good?

For me, the first thing is a script, the second is the director and the third is the role. A good director can create magic even with a small role. If a director is good, you can give your ideas to them like I added a bit of detailing in Kailash Parghi's character. The way he wears sunglasses. When I told Reema (Reema Kagti, director of ‘Dahaad’), she said Yes. So you have a belief that you can collaborate with the director. So, you enjoy working there and you feel like you are being heard. Hence, a director is very important.

Your first movie is 'Baabarr'. What was your learning when the film didn't work?

Aap iss paap ko jaanti hain? I’ve only learnt positive things from the failure of the movie - that never make films like 'Baabarr' and make films like 'Ship of Theseus.' this was my biggest learning that when you are new, you wanted to become a hero. Although, the story of the movie was great according to me, because it was unpredictable and had a surprise element in it. But that was my first work and it couldn't work out. 

In Bombay, it’s very difficult, since people don't know you. 

'Baabarr' also taught me that if you want to stay here, you need to have a lot of patience. Bohot log iss idea ke saath aate hain ki 6 mahine ya ek saal try krunga, mai bhi isi idea ke saath aaya tha. Lekin aisa hota nhi hai. You need to learn the craft and commit to it. This was my learning experience from 'Baabarr'.

Are you satisfied with the kind of role you are getting?

I am very satisfied. I am from Sri Ganganagar and my life’s first job was not acting. I built a safety net for myself because we had no money in our house. I did business to fulfill my responsibilities. After that, I came to Bombay. I came here very late

Aaj Bombay ke Juhu me mera ghar hai aur mai interview krrha hai, mai Excel ke saath film krrha hu, maine 'Tumbbad' jaisi film banayi hai jisko log bhot pyaar aur respect dete hain. So I am very satisfied that god has been very kind to me.

How did you land up with the role in  'Thumbaad’ and did you have the idea it would become such a hit?

Definitely, I had that idea. That’s why I put so much money, energy and time into making 'Tumbbad'. I thought if this would not work, nothing can work. In between, I used to get many thoughts that I should make some other films. But, I used to think that I would never find a better script than this. I always had that trust.

I got the role because Rahi (Director Rahi Anil Barve) saw my work. So, he cast me as an actor but no one wanted to produce the film because the film was very tough to make. So, after a point of time, I thought let me make the film. So, first I came on board as an actor, then as a producer and then a journey started. 

Tumbbad made quite a wave and got commercial success too. Did things change for you after its release?

Yes, many changes indeed! I got work after that. I could produce more projects easily. Earlier no one knew who I was, but after 'Tumbbad', I got respect. So, now either you have to hire HODs or writers, people take you seriously that you want to make something good. So, many things changed after ‘Tumbbad'.

Do you choose projects very carefully?

It’s half true, half not. I work a lot on my instincts. When I got the role in 'Simran', I didn't like it. But, Hansal Mehta wanted to cast me so he called me to meet. When I went to meet, he narrated my role and I immediately said yes. Then, he took out a 500 Rs note from his pocket and gave it to me. Seriously, this filmy incident happened to me. So, I work a lot on my instinct.

Other than that, I think I get fewer offers because whatever work I did those were very specific. People find it hard to fit me into a role. But hopefully, you’ll see me in more roles. 

Since you are not a trained actor, how do u prepare for your characters? Is there something unique that you do to get into the skin of a character?

Jahan chah wohi raah! From training, I meant, I have not even taken part in any play even in school or college. My legs used to shiver to go on the stage, I am that kind of person. I was a backbencher. 

I read someone’s quote, Aap correct logon ke beech me rehte ho, toh bhi seekh jaate ho. So, I have been with the correct people. 

I know training is important. But, when you are not trained, it also works out, because sometimes, you don’t have to unlearn. In some roles, you need method acting while sometimes, you don’t even need to rehearse, you can be spontaneous. Har script hi ek actor ko batati hai ki aise approach karo. Jaise scrip kehti hai, mai waise approach karta hu.

What advice do you want to give to someone who wants to become an actor and has no idea about how the film industry works?

The most valuable advice from my side is not to waste your time. I came to Bombay, I made 'Baabarr' and 'Ship of Theseus.' But at the same time, I was thinking that I should go home and why am I struggling. The second thoughts spoiled 7 years of my life.  So, my advice for aspiring actors is to take your time. If you want to do it, then commit to it and you have to understand it's a tough path. There are many opportunities in today's time and apart from honesty nothing else can help. You have to commit to it. 

Your idea of India in 2047 - 100 years of independence.

Everyone will have food to eat, access to education and medical facilities. These are the three most important things.