‘Gully Boy’ fame Nakul Roshan Sahdev opens up about overcoming the challenges of being an outsider; says, “The biggest challenge is first how to survive in this city”

Actor Nakul Roshan Sahdev is an emerging talent who has been garnering attention for his impressive performances ever since the critically acclaimed film Gully Boy. As an outsider in the competitive world of Indian cinema, Sahdev’s journey is a testament to his dedication and talent. Nakul reveals what sparked his interest and passion for acting and shares how he overcomes the challenges of being an outsider in Bollywood.

Nakul shares what exactly ignited the passion for acting and film, and reveals it has a connection to Tom Cruise’s evergreen film ‘Top Gun.’ “It was 20th July 2006. I was watching Top Gun on HBO late at night. I was so engrossed in the film, there was a voice that, I wanted to do this. It was like ‘love at first sight’. That moment is still very vivid in my mind, quite strangely. Anytime I feel that fire missing I re-watch Top Gun. I am driven by the adrenaline rush, and then how to contain that energy and control my nerves.”

He adds, “To be honest, now I learn more about acting from sports personalities than from the other actors. Because I have realised that in the end, it’s about the mindset more than the talent or the craft. Talent and craft is a process of evolution. Being an artist makes one more complacent in life, hence I think of myself as an athlete. Every new script is a new tournament and it’s a new arena, new teammates. I am just obsessed with making and being part of great films and then doing whatever it takes to make that happen.”

The actor reveals some of the harsh realities an outsider experiences in the industry and shares how he overcomes such challenges. “Being an outsider, the biggest challenge is first how to survive in this city. The mindset of people here is very different, it’s very transactional. And I come from a small town – Udaipur. There, people operate very differently. It was disheartening when you saw people making promises and suddenly refusing to pick up calls or provide you with clarity. There were times when promises were made but then people just disappeared or ghosted you. According to me, that is very disrespectful. I used to get very angry with this behaviour because I hate it when someone treats me with disrespect because I value words and promises.”

“But then I started with a morning ritual where 3-4 hours I would just sit with myself and ask myself, ‘What is it that I truly want?’ and use the rest of the day to fulfil those targets. I have become very self-aware. Now sugar-coated words don’t flatter me, someone else’s opinion doesn’t bother me.”

Nakul adds, “As I said, I have an athlete bent of mind, my days and weeks are filled with targets and duties, which I have set for myself. And the foundation of my entire being is derived from mediation and surrendering to God. It’s a state of flow, and the days I’m not in that flow I know it. So there is no external validation I am seeking. Another big factor is the strong trustworthy team. I can proudly say that we would take a bullet for each other. I consider having this loving team as my biggest achievement in my professional life. “

He goes on to mention how nothing is impossible when it comes to an artistic industry, “Truth be told, there are no gatekeepers to this industry, it’s a false notion that has been built by the fragile egos of weak-minded people. How can entertainment and art be dictatorial? By the nature of it, films give us a sense of freedom. All it takes is courage, a strong brief system, and a lot of hard work. In short, I would credit everything to a strong disciplined life, a loving protective team and being in touch with myself.”

Despite not hailing from a film industry background, Nakul Roshan Sahdev has navigated the complex landscape of Bollywood with remarkable skill and perseverance. The audience looks forward to more of his impressive performances and witnessing his journey ahead.

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