An actor arrives

Swati Rai

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The new actor on the block, Shashank Arora is a writer, actor, and a musician. With a stint in the human rights activists’ street theatre group in Canada, he first appeared as a supporting character in an indie feature film titled Myoho in 2012. In conversation with the actor, whose latest film Titli has earned much critical appreciation. Excerpts from an interview:

How was your experience of working in theatre and films?

Acting began as something which I enjoyed. It has become an important aspect of my life. I take it very seriously and it deeply satisfies me.

Titli has done phenomenally well — what’s been your response to it so far?

It has been a great learning experience on how to create life on screen. The process of making the movie itself was so fulfilling that one knew the film will have an effect on people — be it in a good or bad way.

Are you a director’s actor or method actor?

I am a student of Robert Reece, who taught for a couple years in Whistling Woods International. Rob taught a system which was a mixture of Lee Strassberg, Eric Morris and Stanislavski. So you can call me a method actor. But the term has been used incorrectly in our country, hence I avoid it.

What here from now? Any new movies signed or in the offing?

I will be seen in Rock On 2, for which I am super excited!

What’s your take on the terms, mainstream and an offbeat movie actor?

There is no such thing as mainstream or offbeat actors. An actor’s task is to express the human condition in all its form — be it on TV, stage, film, nukkad natak, big budget or small-budget movies.

Any tips for aspiring actors for a successful movie debut?

Three things: Fitness is good but focus on your craft!; be sensitive, vulnerable and humble, always; and remember, there are no small roles. Just big egos.

How was your experience of working with an ensemble cast?

The more people you add into a frame, the more complex it gets. It was tough and fascinating at the same time. I learnt a lot from each one of my co-actors.

Can acting be taught?

Like engineering or medical science, acting can also be taught. But teaching only can’t make an excellent doctor. The same goes for actors. The essential qualities that one needs to become an actor are passion, determination and perseverance.