एनएसडी के लिए साउथ की बड़ी फिल्म का ऑफर ठुकराया: मिल्खा सिंह बनने की हुई थी कास्टिंग, शाहिदुर रहमान बोले- सपने बनते और टूटते हैं

Shahidur Rehman’s journey, which started from the theater of Kolkata, reached national recognition with “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”. His quiet yet impressive portrayal of Sher Singh Rana caught the attention of the audience. But the journey did not stop here. When many actors stopped during the Covid era, Shahidur proved himself in a new color in Austrian director Sandeep’s film ‘Happy’. This role, which he played after learning German for five months, became an example of his passion and dedication. This film was highly appreciated in many international film festivals around the world. Shahidur Rahman had a special conversation with Dainik Bhaskar recently. Here are some highlights..

Question: Where did your acting journey begin?

answer: I graduated from Kolkata University in 1999 and then learned theater from Rabindra Bharati University. Was associated with Bengali theater in the early days. The dream was to study in NSD, and I got admission in 2006 in the third attempt. Meanwhile, he took rigorous training for one year in Himachal. Prepared myself physically and mentally with yoga, meditation and movement classes.

Question: It must not have been easy to reach NSD?

answer: no way. Struggled a lot before reaching NSD. Hindi expression was difficult due to Bengali being the mother tongue. Therefore, I decided that I will not go to Mumbai until I become comfortable with Hindi. Stayed in Delhi and did theatre, from there he entered films.

Question: Did you want to become an actor since childhood?

answer: Yes, I fell in love with acting after watching Ramayana and Mahabharata in my childhood. At the age of eight he considered himself Lakshman. When I saw ‘Tipu Sultan’ and ‘Circus’ in my teenage years, my desire became stronger. After 10th, when I talked to my father about going to acting school, he first told me to do a government job, but later he said, “I will give you three years’ time, find the way yourself and prove it.” The same thing still resonates in my heart.

Question: How did you get your first big opportunity in films?

Answer: In the third year of NSD, a photo video was uploaded on YouTube. A call came from Hyderabad from the same video. Got an offer to launch as a villain in Nagarjuna’s son’s film. But I refused to complete my NSD studies. I believed that it is not right to move ahead without strengthening the foundation of acting.

Before Farhan Akhtar, Shahidur Rehman was first cast for the role of Milkha Singh.

Question: Your character in ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ was memorable. How did you get this opportunity?

Answer: Got an offer for a Hollywood film in 2011, but the shoot stopped in three days. Then the audition of ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ took place. Earlier casting was done for the role of Milkha Singh, but Farhan Akhtar was taken. Later Rakesh Omprakash Mehra sir gave me the role of Sher Singh Rana. The character was small, but effective. Farhan and Mehra ji showed a lot of respect during the shoot. That proved to be the turning point of my career.

Question: Any regrets about doing a small or supporting role?

answer: No. After ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, some casting directors said to focus only on the lead. Earlier I felt that I just wanted to do the lead role. But when the films failed, I realized that it is not the size of the role but honesty that matters. In 2019, I received the Best Actor Award at the Chelsea International Film Festival for ‘The Last Koan’. Now every good opportunity feels like a blessing.

Question: What changes happened in your career after Covid?

answer: During Covid, the flow of films decreased and self-doubt increased. At the same time, Austrian director Sandeep’s film ‘Happy’ was released. Learned German language for five months and lived in Australia to live the character and closely observed the life of Indian immigrants. This film is a real glimpse of my life.

Question: Are you still fond of theatre?

Answer: Very deep. Theater is my base. Performed plays like ‘Saaransh’ and ‘Vincent Wangfalk’ in Delhi. After coming to Mumbai, Atul became Meghnath in Satya Kaushik’s play ‘Ishwar’. I have done this play more than 25 times so far. Joining the platform gives me balance.

Question: In which direction do you want to move forward?

answer: Now I want to go towards direction. There are also plans to open my own acting academy. I want to pass on what I have learned to new artists. Currently, I am playing an important role in Sagar Pictures’ mythological film ‘Shrimad Bhagavatam’.

Question: Tell us about some of your major films and web series?

answer: My major films include ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, ‘Kaun Kitne Paani Mein’, ‘Kaabil’, ‘Batla House’, ‘Prithviraj’, ‘Vikram Veda’, ‘Stolen’ and the Bengali film ‘Kidnap’. Has also worked in web series ‘Made in Heaven’, ‘Grahan’, ‘Dahan’, and ‘Sin’.

Question: How do you handle yourself amidst conflict?

answer: Yoga and meditation keep me grounded. The beginning in Mumbai was very difficult. Many times he was removed from films at the last moment. When I was shooting for Kaabil. Then director Sanjay Gupta had said a very good thing – ‘Dreams are made and broken in this city.’ I always remember this line of his. My wife, who is an astrologer and is from Kolkata, and my daughter always stood by me as a strength.

Question: When you look back today, what do you feel?

answer: I fulfilled my dream of reaching NSD, but the journey was full of challenges. International festival films like ‘Happy’ and ‘The Last Kuan’ gave encouragement. Got recognition from theatre, but the struggle still continues. All I know is that if you have a dream, it can be broken, but it can also be made. The only difference is don’t let yourself break.