From coding complex software in one of the leading IT giants to decoding complex characters in his projects, actor Abhishek Sethiya has marked his eminence as an ‘artist’ with his versatility. It is unquestionably worthy to call him a chameleon, who likes to camouflage into any given character. His love for cinema is not just capped to acting but it also surpasses within the entire methodology of filmmaking. Having worked in the Hindi, Marathi and Telugu industries, he still feels like a rookie who is always pushing the envelope and seeks to challenge himself with every forthcoming performance. He, who believes in conquering the ‘unknown’ as an actor; decodes his code of conduct as Prem in “Mumbai Special Pav Bhaji” streaming on ShemarooMe, with us.
Abhishek, when was the first time you decided that you are going to select the media and entertainment industry as a full-time career option?
It was when I was working as a software developer with one of the leading IT giants of India. I just couldn’t see myself doing that for the rest of my life. I haven’t been fascinated by just Performing Arts but also by the entire process of filmmaking ever since I was a kid. So, I just decided to take the plunge. It was like ‘NOW or NEVER’ for me; as I had decided to settle down in the US if I had wished to continue in the software industry and then things would have been further difficult to follow my heart.
Tell us a bit about your first major modelling or acting project. How did things start for you?
My first project was a short film called “The Lane @ 8 AM”. And that film was a silent film and to make things even more challenging, that character was deaf and mute!! Now, a guy just coming out of an IT company’s cubicle facing a film camera (yes that short film wasn’t a typical short film; it was like a big film set-up) and portraying such a challenging character, was unthinkable! But then the film did wonders across various film festivals, and I was also lauded for my work!
As for the commercial project, my first TVC was with Mr MS Dhoni. It was surreal that I was working with him and it ignited the hunger more in me to pursue my passion.
The showbiz industry suffered a setback during the Covid-19 pandemic and even now, things aren’t in full swing. How did you handle those challenges?
I truly believe in the saying, ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going’. You either become bitter or become better. And I am someone with an insane fighting spirit. To be honest, I immersed myself emotionally and physically in my own little world to become the best version of myself so that when things become normal, I am at my absolute best. First things first, I transformed myself physically (bringing down my body fat percentage to an almost single digit) and delved deeper into spirituality trying to know more about myself, my existence and my purpose not just materialistically but in every possible sense! It’s unfathomable that it made me such a strong person not just from outside but from inside who is roaring to take on all the possible knockout punches hurled further by life.
You have done work in Hindi, Marathi as well as South content. How are the industries different or similar to each other in terms of work process?
Firstly, I would say that I am extremely fortunate to do films with leading characters in all three industries. They all are more or less similar since every industry is all about great work and professionalism now. Again, it was unimaginable that I did my first film in Telugu even though I didn’t know the language then. I was working with stalwarts of the Telugu industry! And to deliver impeccable performance in an unfamiliar language requires extraordinary dedication, hard work and commitment. After that, I did one more Telugu Film as a lead with the legends of the industry! My third film was a Marathi Film in the lead which had the legends like Sachin Pilgaonkar Sir, Makarand Anaspure Sir and Arun Nalawade Sir. And Marathi industry is famous for its content and brilliant actors, especially from a theatre background. So to sum it up, I would say that the foundation of my career was laid rock-solid, all thanks to these two industries where I started working right from the start! And now, I am absolutely confident about my craft to work further in Bollywood films as well.
Tell us a bit about your Shemaroo project and other future plans?
This project is titled ‘Mumbai Special Pav Bhaji’ and it is all about the content and breathtaking performances. It’s a first of its kind non-glamorous role for me wherein you don’t have anything else like the glamour of make-up, designer clothes, picturesque locations, songs, dance, etc to rescue you apart from your performance. It’s something that is extremely raw, uninhibited, straight on your face kind of a film. We shot at some of the locations where nobody would like to set afoot, let alone shooting there. So, it definitely boosted my confidence to portray more such characters as I feel acting is all about going into the unknown territories and portraying characters that you cannot even remotely think of.
Your favourite genre and where do you see yourself 5 years down the line?
To be honest, I am mesmerized by all the possible genres and it is my deepest desire to act in all of them. As I said before, I want to explore as many characters and subjects as I possibly can. That’s the beauty of this profession. I have deliberately tried my best not to get stuck in a particular genre. I have kept myself flexible both in terms of performance and appearance so that I don’t get typecast and every director thinks of me as a director’s actor believing that I could do justice to his/her character without batting an eyelid. I don’t plan that far ahead like 5 years. I try to live in the present and try to give my everything to the character I am currently prepping up for; kinda living it, to portray it.
Lastly, a message for anyone who wants to begin their acting journey. What are the things they should do and what should they avoid?
I would advise that if they are really in love with acting then only pursue it. One should not if they are just awestruck by the glam quotient of the industry. As it takes years and in some cases decades of unimaginable perseverance, hard work and honesty to deliver that spellbound magic of performance you see on-screen. If they are cent per cent sure, they should start preparing for it right away. Be it joining a good theatre group, doing workshops, learning by observing the work of great actors, etc! The key is to be a relentless learner and not waste a single moment.
