Celebrated actor Jaideep Ahlawat recently shared a deeply personal chapter of his life, revealing that Prayagraj, formerly Allahabad, played a pivotal role long before his fame. Speaking at the cultural event Bazm-e-Virasat, the star of 'Paatal Lok' and 'Gangs of Wasseypur' offered a candid look into his struggles, outlook on life, and the industry.
From Army Dreams to Acting: The Prayagraj Chapter
Jaideep Ahlawat's connection to Sangam city began with a dream to join the Indian Army. He travelled to Allahabad twice to appear for the Services Selection Board (SSB) examinations, but faced disappointment both times. He described this phase as emotionally challenging. However, life steered him towards a different destiny – acting. It was his subsequent training at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) that helped him heal from the earlier failure and find mental peace.
Advice on Struggle, Gaps, and Small-Town Roots
Ahlawat emphasised that struggle is not unique to Bollywood but exists in every profession. For actors, he pointed out that the real trouble often isn't the struggle itself, but the anxiety during long gaps between projects. His advice to aspiring actors is to stay positive, avoid excessive worry about money, and use lean periods for self-reflection, reading, and nurturing friendships.
Dismissing the idea that his Haryana background limited him, Ahlawat acknowledged he was initially offered stereotypical roles. Over time, the industry began trusting him with diverse characters. He expressed his current openness to all kinds of roles and a desire to collaborate with legends like Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Bajpayee, Paresh Rawal, and Alia Bhatt.
OTT vs Cinema, Social Media, and a Call for Hindi Literature
On the ongoing debate around OTT platforms versus traditional cinema, Ahlawat stated that for an actor, the performance remains the same. He noted that writers benefit greatly from the digital space as it offers a larger canvas for storytelling. The actor also shared that he does not believe in aggressive promotion, asserting that good work speaks for itself.
Ahlawat consciously stays away from social media, viewing it as a tool largely used for personal gain. He encouraged young people to slow down, listen to their mind and body, and rest when needed. Expressing concern, he highlighted the declining presence of Hindi literature in public discourse and stressed the need to revive reading habits. Reflecting on playing authoritative characters, he humbly stated that cinema is a collective effort where no single performance overshadows another.
