In a deeply honest and grounded conversation on Catch The Stars with Rohan Dua on The New Indian, acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat speaks to Rohan Dua about his journey from theatre and struggle to mainstream recognition, the impact of Paatal Lok, his approach to acting, failures, insecurities, and why staying rooted matters more than stardom.
Q: Jaideep, your journey has been slow but solid. Did you always believe success would come this way?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
Honestly, no. When you struggle for years, belief keeps changing its shape. Some days you are confident, some days you feel completely lost.
I only knew one thing—that I wanted to act, and I didn’t want to do anything else. Success was never a fixed destination for me; survival itself felt like success at one point.
Q: You come from Rohtak, Haryana. How did that background shape you as an actor?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
Small towns give you observation. You watch people closely—how they talk, how they fight, how they love, how they hide emotions.
That helps a lot in acting. My roots are my biggest strength. I don’t try to erase them; I use them.
Q: Before films and OTT, theatre played a big role in your life. What did theatre teach you?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
Discipline and honesty.
In theatre, there is no cut, no retake. If you are dishonest, the audience catches it immediately. Theatre trains your body, voice, and mind. Whatever I am today is because of theatre.
Q: You trained at FTII. Did formal training change your perspective on acting?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
Yes, completely. FTII gives you exposure—to world cinema, to different acting styles, to different people.
It also humbles you. You realise how little you actually know. That fear keeps you alert and hungry.
Q: There was a long phase where you were doing small roles. Did rejection ever break you?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
Many times.
You give auditions after auditions and hear nothing back. Financial pressure, self-doubt—it all piles up. But I never thought of quitting acting. I thought of quitting the city sometimes, but not acting.
Q: Paatal Lok changed everything for you. Did you realise its impact while shooting?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
Not at all.
While shooting, I only focused on Hathiram Chaudhary as a man—not a hero. A tired cop, confused, scared, but honest.
When it released and people connected so deeply, that’s when I understood its power.
Q: Hathiram Chaudhary feels very real. How did you build that character?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
I have seen many Hathirams in real life.
Middle-aged men, stuck between duty and family, dreams and reality. I borrowed from life, not from films. The character is not extraordinary—his honesty is.
Q: Fame came suddenly after Paatal Lok. How did you deal with it?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
I got scared. (laughs)
Sudden attention can confuse you. I consciously tried to remain the same person. Fame should not change your hunger or your respect for work. If it does, it’s dangerous.
Q: You are known for intense performances. Do such roles affect you mentally?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
Yes, they do.
You carry the character back home sometimes. That’s why it’s important to disconnect—spend time with family, sit quietly, do nothing. Otherwise, it can consume you.
Q: Do you believe OTT has changed the game for actors like you?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
Absolutely.
OTT has broken the definition of heroes. Now, stories matter more than faces. Actors who were ignored earlier are finally being trusted with strong roles.
Q: How selective are you with scripts today?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
Very selective.
Not because I want fewer films, but because I want honest work. If the script doesn’t excite or scare me a little, I say no.
Q: What kind of characters attract you the most now?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
Flawed people.
Perfect characters are boring. I like characters who make mistakes, regret, and try again. That’s how real people are.
Q: What keeps you grounded despite success?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
My family and my past.
I know where I come from and how difficult the journey has been. That memory keeps my feet on the ground.
Q: What advice would you give to young actors struggling today?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
Be patient and be honest.
This profession doesn’t reward instantly, but when it does, it lasts. Don’t chase fame—chase good work.
Q: Finally, what does acting mean to Jaideep Ahlawat today?
Jaideep Ahlawat:
Acting is my way of living many lives in one lifetime.
As long as I am curious and scared of my next role, I know I am on the right path.
