I Would Lie If I Say I Don't Like The Attention Or I Don't Like My Work To Be Appreciated

Known for his incredible versatility, PAVAN MALHOTRA kickstarted his career with Buddhadeb Dasgupta’s Bagh Bahadur. From the Mamu of Badmash Company to Tiger Memon in Black Friday, he is on a spree to win million of hearts with his stellar performance in every movie. Pavan Malhotra gives a glimpse of his career, films, life and more. Read on….

- Riya Lakhmani

While you were growing up, you wanted to join the army. So what inspired you to get into theatre and pursue acting?

Actually, when I was growing up, the war was on. I was in school at that time. So, I along with some friends during school used to go to the station aur trains mein army walon ko chai aur biscuit khilate the. We used to call it military then and at that time I thought that I was doing something good. After some time, I realized that to join the army I had to be good at studies. By then, theatre had also happened. So, I feel it’s destiny. Army toh bachpan mein bolte the jayenge but till today, I have utter respect for soldiers. I was destined to be an actor and I am very happy to be one. Yes, theatre did inspire me. When I did my first two shows, I didn’t even know that the National School of Drama existed, it just happened in the process. I also joined dramatics in college. I can never say this is something I planned. But I just kept floating and things kept happening.

How did you start your journey?

I started with theatre, I had to enact six different characters in a play when I was in school. They then asked me to join their group and I used to perform with them. I never planned anything, things just happened to me. I came to Mumbai to perform after which I was offered a job as a production assistant for Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. After that, I actually started acting in Nukkad and when I went back home, my father realized that I wouldn’t come back now.

Do you think you’ve been duly credited for your work?