I am hungry for new roles, says Raazi actor and NSD graduate Ashwath Bhatt

Raazi actor: Ashwath Bhatt, a seasoned Bollywood actor known for his versatile performances, is eager for fresh challenges in the film industry.

Grateful to the National School of Drama (NSD) for shaping his career, Bhatt now seeks diverse roles that break away from the confines of typecasting.

As a pivotal player in successful films like Raazi, Bhatt is hungry for new opportunities, both in cinema and theatre, while calling for more inclusivity and innovation in Bollywood.

The actor, who graduated from the prestigious institute in 2001, emphasised how pivotal it has been in his journey as an actor.

“I owe everything to NSD. It provided me with a great platform. We had access to great teachers, books, and personalities. The institute has been a major turning point in my life,” Bhatt told Patriot.

Also read: Delhi Theatre Festival returns with a stellar line-up

Known for his versatile roles, the 48-year-old actor said that he has a deep-rooted connection with Delhi, referring to the city as his Karambhoomi (workplace).

“Delhi is where I started doing professional and serious theatre. Group theatre in Mandi House and Shri Ram Centre are places where I learned a lot and grew as an artist,” he fondly recalled.

When asked about the current state of theatre in Delhi, Bhatt expressed concern over the lack of accessible venues and support for the art form.

“There are many centrally located venues that are now defunct. A lot of theatres receive grants, but where is the genuine support for theatre culture? Delhi needs smaller, more accessible spaces called fringe venues. 50-100 seaters would allow more theatre artists to showcase their work,” Bhatt pointed out.

He also mentioned that some theatres charge over Rs. 1 lakh per day for rental, which makes it challenging for struggling artists to use these venues.

Despite the hurdles, Bhatt remains optimistic, noting that Mandi House still serves as a hub for young and passionate theatre artists.

Reflecting on his film career, Bhatt credited the success of Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi as a major milestone.

“Raazi was a game-changer for me. Before that, I had done other films, but Raazi did exceptionally well, and it brought me significant recognition,” said Bhatt, who has acted in films like Phantom, Kesari, Sita Ramam, IB71, and Mission Majnu, among others.

“I see new faces and a lot of energy at Mandi House. Various college students also pursue theatre. We need to create spaces for them,” he added.

He also acknowledged that his smaller role in Haider drew attention to his work, despite limited screen time. “Even if you have done great work, the film must succeed commercially. If it doesn’t, your effort can go unnoticed,” he said, emphasising the importance of a film’s box office performance.

Also read: Exclusive | It’s time to be realistic about theatre: Naseeruddin Shah

Bhatt is still passionate about theatre, which he described as his lifeline.

“Theatre nourishes the soul, keeps you grounded, and offers internal gratification. It’s a mental exercise that keeps you awake,” he remarked.

As OTT platforms rise in popularity, Bhatt voiced concerns over the commercialisation of content. “We have turned OTT into a television-like medium in many ways. The quality isn’t always great. People are aware and selective. If a series doesn’t engage them in the first two episodes, they won’t continue watching,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Bhatt believes there is still room for improvement.

“There is commercialisation, but we should focus on creating quality content. The audience’s taste has evolved, and we need to keep that in mind.”

The actor also addressed the issue of being typecast, especially with regard to Muslim characters.

“Many people say I only play Muslim characters or army officers, but they don’t know how many roles I have refused. I want diverse parts, and I love taking on characters with different looks,” Bhatt explained.

He urged casting directors to think beyond stereotypes and offer actors a broader range of roles, adding, “Casting directors should give actors the chance to explore different roles.”

Bhatt stressed the significance of film festivals in promoting new kinds of cinema.

“Film festivals provide recognition to fresh and experimental work. A film’s story should be a priority, not just its commercial viability,” he said.

Bhatt called for Bollywood to provide more opportunities for young, talented actors and avoid pigeonholing talent into specific roles.

“Actors get frustrated when they are typecast. I am hungry for new roles, and I hope Bollywood recognises the need for fresh opportunities,” he concluded.