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Shaleen Malhotra: I wasn't getting work because of my unconventional looks
Being brutally honest is easier said than done, especially when it comes to talking about the lows in one's life. And, for a celebrity, the task is an even more daunting one. However, unlike many of his contemporaries who hide their no-work phase, Shaleen Malhotra doesn't believe in mincing words.
The actor, better known for playing the title role of a cop in TV show 'Arjun', hit a low in his career around his birthday last year. Though he auditioned for various projects, they failed to materialise. However, rather than giving up, Shaleen decided to keep at it. And the optimism paid off just when he feared that his career had reached its nadir, the tough times ended and he bagged the lead role in the sequel to the popular show, 'Laado', titled 'Laado Veerpur Ki Mardaani'.
He tells us, "I don't understand when people, who are out of work, say that they are waiting for that one challenging role to come their way. Whenever I was asked why I am not being seen on TV, I would honestly say that I wasn't getting work. I reached a point where I wanted to take up just about anything, even if I wasn't convinced about those projects. But somehow, even they failed to materialise. I needed the money since I don't have any alternate vocation. The problem with this medium is that nobody gives you the exact reason for rejection. I don't fit the bill of the conventional hero on TV. But guess what, that seemed to have worked in my favour for Laado."
With no alternate source of income, it must have been difficult to sustain. Shaleen agrees, "Yes, it was. Fortunately, I am paid well for my assignments and I could depend on my savings. My wife (Diksha Rampal), too, supported me unconditionally. She told me to take up the right project instead of succumbing to the pressure. It was a difficult phase, but when life becomes challenging, I become stronger. I fear failures and had to get back. It's wisely said that failure is a man's greatest teacher."
In 'Laado', the actor will be paired opposite Avika Gor. Ask him if he feels awkward about romancing a girl several years younger and he replies, "It was awkward for the first time when I heard that I would be paired opposite Avika. But I became comfortable when I realised that she has always worked with older guys. I guess a couple of them are older than me as well. Forget age, Avika has worked more than me and is mature as an actor and a person."
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