Sharad Malhotra is back to India after a successful stint at the New York Film Academy. In this exclusive Telly Buzz interview, he talks about his stint at USA, his equation with Divyanka and more…
Sharad Malhotra, who became an instant hit with Banoo Main Teri Dulhan, left his family, friends and fans asking for more, as he left for USA for nearly a four months course at the New York Film Academy. Now he is back and boy is he glad!
Sharad shares exclusively with Telly Buzz all the activities he did during the time that he went missing from the small screen.
Welcome to India, Sharad.
Thank you (Smiles).
So how was the experience in New York?
It was very hectic but I got to learn a lot. It was a very different experience. I learned to be very professional. I was among one of the world's most hardworking and intelligent group of people. So it was an amazing experience.
Elaborate on the New York Film Academy experience..
I went to New York Film Academy, the one in Los Angeles. Actually I had a choice between New York and LA but I chose LA because there the Academy works in collaboration with Universal Studios. You get to experience what its like to be a part of the Universal Studios crew.
Why the craze about Universal studios?
Right from my childhood I'm a big fan of Batman and Superman. And both the films have been shot there. So that's why…
What all things did you get trained for?
I participated in the acting workshop which went on for about three and a half months. I also wanted to participate in the directing workshop but couldn't do so because I didn't have the time.
Tell us about the short films you made there.
Within a span of around three months we made around 9 short films. We were a team of around 4 people and we were given various topics and sometimes no topic, but the team spirit and competition all doubled up the excitement. Plus, I was working with people from all around the world. There were girls from South Africa, boys from Australia. Then there were few boys from London. There was a Chinese girl. I was from India. There was so much to give on each individual's part so that everybody else could learn. Touchwood we never had any issues with each other. It was just lovely.
In your last interview with Telly Buzz, you had said you'd love to work behind the camera. Did you get that opportunity there?
Actually I did not get an opportunity but main itna ziddi hoon ki maine opportunity nikaal hi liya( but I'm so stubborn that I made myself an opportunity). I went behind the camera for a few shots and checked out the frames. Analyzed whether they were wide angle ones or close ones. I had fun when I was behind the camera. So I'm looking forward to an opportunity where I can act, direct and handle camera together.
Did you miss India?
Yes of course, especially Indian food. As everybody knows I am a diehard foodie, for which I used to get nice scoldings from my instructor too; so that was something for which I felt very deprived.
Which Indian food did you miss the most?
Oh, that's easy- Rajmah Chawal. My mom does lovely cooking but my demand to her is always for Rajmah Chawal.
What was your schedule there?
My classes used to start at nine and end at 8 at night. So yeah it was pretty much hectic. I used to get a lot of homework which I used to hate as a child, but enjoyed when I got it again after so many years. So after 8, I used to sit and do my homework like a good boy.(laughs)
Why did you feel the need to 'learn' acting?
I've heard Mr. Amitabh Bachchan saying that he still learns new things every passing minute. Al Paccino, Marlon Brando all these great men have achieved so much because they constantly kept learning. Many people have asked me this question before, which was also followed by a confused – 'So what did you do for the past three years?'(Laughs) So I told them yes, I've learnt for the past few years but along with my work, I need to do learn more, in a different environment, a bit formally to understand the nuances.
But didn't you feel out-of-touch with the Indian industry?
No not at all. I was in contact with everyone through phone, through India-Forums and Facebook. I was always in touch with my fans and friends.
Which friends did you miss the most?
I missed a lot of close friends. Divyanka, Manish, Kanvaljeet, Mohammad..a director friend of mine, and many members of India-Forums who are like family to me.
Your sudden return surprised which friend of yours the most?
I think the person who was surprised the most was Divyanka. Then Debashish too was quite shocked that I returned so soon.
So what's exactly the equation between you and Divyanka? There are a lot of rumors that you guys are seeing each other.
Well when a guy and a girl are good friends, rumors arise. It's inevitable. But I'll tell you one incident which will give you a clear picture of what's the equation between her and me. When I came to know that she is in Shhh Phir Koi Hai, I told her- Wow! You're a ghost now? So the bride has become the ghost and the groom has gone missing eh? And then we both laughed like crazy.
So when will we get to see Sharad onscreen again?
To be honest, I myself don't know what I'm going to do next. But one thing is certain ,whatever I do its going to be magical and I'll work with full honesty, as always. People speculated that I'll do a film because I went to Newyork 'Film' Academy. But that just happened because there's no separate 'Television' academy as such.
Your message for India-Forums fans.
I want to thank you all for being there for me right since my first baby steps into the industry till now. You all are always by my side and I thank you for that.
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