Manas Shah states it is not EASY to get preferred role in the industry: 'You have to compromise'

Manas Shah, who has been a part of shows like Humari Devrani, Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman, and Yeh Hai Chahatein and is seen in the show Tulsi - Hamari Badi Sayani, feels that it’s not always easy to get a preferred kind of role in the industry. He believes that one needs to compromise either on the money aspect or the role part to sustain.

He said, “I feel that for many years, I have tried to follow my passion, but the hardest reality is that not every dream can be fulfilled, and it takes time to accept this. There were many times when I wanted to do a specific type of role, but it wasn’t always possible.”

“To simplify my life, I decided that if I got roles from my wish list, I wouldn’t focus on the money. It’s either one or the other—if I’m getting the roles I desire, I don’t think about the money, but if the role isn’t my type, I prioritize the financial aspect. My first priority is always to select roles I’m passionate about,” he added.

He also confessed that if he is offered a typical or mediocre role that doesn’t bring anything new but follows a tried-and-tested formula with a high chance of success, he will consider them. But he added, “If I don’t get roles from my wish list or the typical roles, I choose roles that help me fulfill financial responsibilities, like covering my lifestyle, survival, savings, and family obligations. That said, I avoid roles that compromise my image.”

If I don’t get roles from my wish list or the typical roles, I choose roles that help me fulfill financial responsibilities, like covering my lifestyle, survival, savings, and family obligations.

- Manas Shah

He further said, “For instance, I often get offers for bold roles in OTT content, but I decline them because I’m not that kind of person, and I don’t believe I’d do justice to such roles. If it’s essential for the script and justifies the character, I might consider it once, but in most cases, I feel that world isn’t for me.”

Manas also spoke about the best advice that he has received in his life and said that it is to aim for being number one and successful. He said, “I believe this advice is the most commonly given, but it’s the least accepted or implemented. Only one person can be number one, so if you’re number two or number ten, you need to know how to cope.”

He also stressed that though it’s ok to wait for a dream role, there should be a balance between practicality and artistic integrity. He said, “Money isn’t God, but it’s essential to fulfill your and your family’s basic needs. It’s not God, but it’s no less than one. You need money for survival—you can’t just sit around waiting for your dream role.”

“On average, no artist works for 365 days a year. There are natural breaks, either self-chosen or due to a lack of work. Many stars say they need a six-month break, and sometimes you get breaks simply because there’s no work. I believe when work is ongoing, one shouldn’t take breaks,” he ended.