'Months go by without a project': Himanshu Malhotra on life after Kesari Veer & Rana Naidu

Kesari Veer actor Himanshu Malhotra has played numerous characters in over two decades of his career, but he doesn’t call being a part of the industry a struggle; in fact, he mentioned that it is a conscious choice.

“I don’t see it as a struggle—and I don’t think it should be seen that way. The word ‘struggle’ often carries a negative connotation, and that’s not how I look at it. I chose to be an artist. I chose to come to Mumbai. I chose to live this life where I get to explore different facets of myself. These are my choices, and I stand by them. I love what I do. I never saw myself living a conventional 9-to-5 life, doing something I don’t believe in. I’m happy being independent, being a freelancer, being azad. That freedom—to live life on your own terms—is beautiful. So no, this journey isn’t a struggle. It’s a joy. It’s a privilege,” he said.

However, he admitted that work isn't always consistent, especially in films and web shows where shoot days are limited. He said, “Sometimes months go by without a project, like after Kesari Veer or Rana Naidu. But that’s okay. If you want to do meaningful work that resonates, it takes time—and patience. Life isn’t linear. It’s unpredictable, messy, and non-linear—and I enjoy living it that way. On the edge. That’s what makes me feel alive.”

While the world gets wooed by the glitz and glamour, Himanshu reminds us of the discipline behind the dazzle. He said, “The costumes, makeup, lights, camera, everything looks aspirational. You look good, you feel good, and you’re lit well. But behind that glamour is a lot of tapasya—a lot of discipline, dedication, and devotion.”

“And no, it doesn’t get easy. ‘Easy’ isn’t a word in an artist’s dictionary. Even if something starts to feel easy, we naturally look for the next challenge. That’s who we are—we thrive on exploring uncharted territory within ourselves. There’s a rush in pushing your limits, in expanding your mind and your being. That’s what keeps us going. That’s what keeps the work meaningful,” he added.

Sometimes months go by without a project, like after Kesari Veer or Rana Naidu. But that’s okay. If you want to do meaningful work that resonates, it takes time—and patience.

- Himanshu Malhotra

For him the roles themselves are often the biggest inspiration. He said, “Take Rasool Khan from Kesari Veer and Paritosh Oberoi from Rana Naidu—they're diametrically opposite characters.”

“One is a fierce, ruthless warrior. The other is calm, composed, suave, and intelligent. As an actor, it’s a gift to live two entirely different lives—one brutal and raw, the other refined and quiet. That kind of variety naturally energizes you. It forces you to dive deep, to stretch, to transform. And that’s what keeps the creative fire alive,” he added.

But does public opinion influence his work? “When I take on a role, I don’t think even for a second about how the audience will receive it. What matters is being honest to the part—to understand its purpose in the story and to play it with truth and conviction. The moment you start thinking about audience feedback while building a character, the intent gets corrupted. And once that happens, everything else falls apart. Audience perception is their domain. Ours is to serve the story with full sincerity,” Himanshu ended.