Siddharth Jadhav on Rohit Shetty's Simmba: I started getting more work
Actor Siddharth Jadhav reflected on his unplanned journey from Marathi theatre to films. He said Simmba marked a turning point and brought more work opportunities.
Actor Siddharth Jadhav, who has completed 25 years in the entertainment industry, reflected on his unplanned journey into films. Starting his career in Marathi theatre, Jadhav's path was shaped by various struggles until Rohit Shetty's film Simmba marked a turning point in his career.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Jadhav shared insights into his journey. He expressed his surprise at becoming an actor, given his childhood ambition of becoming a police officer. During his college days, he was actively involved in sports and even represented Maharashtra as a cross-country athlete. However, his path took a turn towards the arts, leading him into the world of acting.
Early years in theatre
Jadhav discovered his passion for acting while at Ruparel College, participating in inter-college Marathi theatre competitions.
"Directors and actors from the industry would come to watch these competitions and pick actors from there. There is a world-renowned play, 'All The Best', which has been staged across languages and generations. From there, people started getting picked. I was also part of that. I thought someone from inter-college would take me, and that’s how the journey began," he said.
Recalling his early days, Jadhav mentioned the backstage hustle and small roles he took up. He said, "I kept doing small roles. I used to stand behind, run, and get tea—I did all that. But it was fun. I kept doing it. This is my 25th year. I’ve been doing this since 2000."
The actor mentioned that whether it’s a small role, a lead role, an important role, or just his presence, he enjoys this process. "After Simmba, I put a tagline in my life—‘Enjoy the moment.’ I’m trying to enjoy every moment," he added.
Jadhav said he never planned to become an actor and still questions if he truly is one. He shared that he didn’t receive formal training, despite wanting to study at NSD, FTII, and Lalit Kala. He admits that he still doesn’t understand technical aspects like frame counts.
However, he enjoys the process of acting, as it allows him to learn from people around him. He added that while he once wanted to be a police officer, he now often plays one on screen and believes he does it well. Calling himself a “lucky actor,” he said he has been fortunate to work with good roles, filmmakers, and teams.
Finding success
He acknowledged the unpredictability of an actor's career and mentioned periods of lull where he focused on theatre. The release of the Marathi film Faster Fene in 2017 marked his return to films, leading to roles in movies like Ye Re Ye Re Paisa. Meeting Rohit Shetty during a film event eventually led to his significant role in Simmba, which revitalised his career.
Embracing the journey
Jadhav's journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability. He shared his brother's advice on staying mentally and physically strong during downtimes.
He shared, “My elder brother used to say - when you’re working, you work. But when you don’t have work, that’s your real work. How you keep yourself mentally and physically strong, that’s what matters. If 1000 people are sitting at home, how will you be different? You have to think about that. That’s what my life is."
This mindset has helped him differentiate himself in a competitive industry. Jadhav continues to cherish every moment, whether working or waiting for the next opportunity, including his recent role in Matka King.
Actor Siddharth Jadhav, who has completed 25 years in the entertainment industry, reflected on his unplanned journey into films. Starting his career in Marathi theatre, Jadhav's path was shaped by various struggles until Rohit Shetty's film Simmba marked a turning point in his career.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Jadhav shared insights into his journey. He expressed his surprise at becoming an actor, given his childhood ambition of becoming a police officer. During his college days, he was actively involved in sports and even represented Maharashtra as a cross-country athlete. However, his path took a turn towards the arts, leading him into the world of acting.
Early years in theatre
Jadhav discovered his passion for acting while at Ruparel College, participating in inter-college Marathi theatre competitions.
"Directors and actors from the industry would come to watch these competitions and pick actors from there. There is a world-renowned play, 'All The Best', which has been staged across languages and generations. From there, people started getting picked. I was also part of that. I thought someone from inter-college would take me, and that’s how the journey began," he said.
Recalling his early days, Jadhav mentioned the backstage hustle and small roles he took up. He said, "I kept doing small roles. I used to stand behind, run, and get tea—I did all that. But it was fun. I kept doing it. This is my 25th year. I’ve been doing this since 2000."
The actor mentioned that whether it’s a small role, a lead role, an important role, or just his presence, he enjoys this process. "After Simmba, I put a tagline in my life—‘Enjoy the moment.’ I’m trying to enjoy every moment," he added.
Jadhav said he never planned to become an actor and still questions if he truly is one. He shared that he didn’t receive formal training, despite wanting to study at NSD, FTII, and Lalit Kala. He admits that he still doesn’t understand technical aspects like frame counts.
However, he enjoys the process of acting, as it allows him to learn from people around him. He added that while he once wanted to be a police officer, he now often plays one on screen and believes he does it well. Calling himself a “lucky actor,” he said he has been fortunate to work with good roles, filmmakers, and teams.
Finding success
He acknowledged the unpredictability of an actor's career and mentioned periods of lull where he focused on theatre. The release of the Marathi film Faster Fene in 2017 marked his return to films, leading to roles in movies like Ye Re Ye Re Paisa. Meeting Rohit Shetty during a film event eventually led to his significant role in Simmba, which revitalised his career.
Embracing the journey
Jadhav's journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability. He shared his brother's advice on staying mentally and physically strong during downtimes.
He shared, “My elder brother used to say - when you’re working, you work. But when you don’t have work, that’s your real work. How you keep yourself mentally and physically strong, that’s what matters. If 1000 people are sitting at home, how will you be different? You have to think about that. That’s what my life is."
This mindset has helped him differentiate himself in a competitive industry. Jadhav continues to cherish every moment, whether working or waiting for the next opportunity, including his recent role in Matka King.
