From the small towns of India to the revered corridors of the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, countless dreams are born and nurtured. For decades, NSD has been a crucible of talent, producing some of the finest actors and directors in the country. Yet, beyond the spotlight, there are countless graduates whose journeys remain unsung. In 2024, a new wave of NSD alumni is stepping into the limelight, redefining success through passion, grit, and unparalleled dedication.
These are the stories of a few such artists who are carving their own paths in the ever evolving landscape of Indian entertainment.
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Aamir Malek
A 2017 graduate from NSD, Aamir Malek’s life took a transformative turn when he landed a pivotal role in the much-anticipated historical drama Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, directed by Randeep Hooda.
“I auditioned for the film through Prag Mehta’s casting company,” Aamir recalls. “I was selected to play Bhagat Singh, a character whose legacy we’ve all celebrated, but getting the chance to embody him on screen was a true honour.”
Aamir, 33, hails from Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, and said that working under Randeep Hooda’s direction was an invaluable experience.
“Randeep is a passionate filmmaker, and working with him was an amazing opportunity,” said Aamir, who is grateful for the recognition he is receiving for this role.
Dawood Hussain
In 2021, Dawood Hussain, a 34-year-old NSD graduate, faced an unexpected twist of fate. Originally cast as the villain in Kiran Rao’s Lapaataa Ladies, he had to step away after contracting COVID-19 during the second wave. But fate had other plans.
“I was quarantined for a week, and by the time I recovered, I was offered a different role—Gunjan, the second lead,” said Dawood.
For Dawood, playing Gunjan was more than just a role. “It was a breakthrough and it was a big opportunity for me,” he reflects. “Being part of a film directed by Kiran Rao is a milestone in any actor’s career.”
Pallav Singh
Singh, a 2019 NSD graduate, became an overnight sensation with his portrayal of Shayar Raheem, an obscene poet, in Mirzapur 3.
“Casting Bay, the casting company, reached out to me for the role. They felt I was a perfect fit for it, and after an audition, I landed the part,” recalls Pallav.
For him, the role was a game-changer. “It’s been amazing to see the recognition this role has brought me,” he shares. “I worked hard to bring Raheem to life, and the response has been incredibly gratifying.”
Rachna Gupta
Gupta, a fellow 2019 NSD graduate, faced a unique challenge when she was offered the role of Poonam Kumari in Kiran Rao’s Lapaataa Ladies. “Romil Modi, a casting director I know well, encouraged me to audition for a character that was quite different from what I usually play,” Rachna recalls. “I found new depths in myself through this role. Poonam’s journey shifted something within me.”
Rachna’s portrayal of Poonam caught the attention of the production team, and soon, she received a call that would change her career.
“Being part of a project produced by Aamir Khan Productions and directed by Kiran Rao was a dream come true,” she said. “Kiran Mam’s mentorship has been transformative for me.”
Shekhar Kanwat
Fresh from the NSD class of 2024, Shekhar Kanwat is already making waves in the theatre and film industry. His directorial debut came when renowned casting director Mukesh Chhabra saw one of his plays and was so impressed that he offered him the chance to direct The Playboy of Western World.
“It was like a dream come true,” said Shekhar. “The play ran for three shows at NSD, all of which sold out. It was a huge compliment for me as a young director.”
But Shekhar’s journey didn’t stop there. After assisting filmmaker Anurag Kashyap on an untitled film featuring Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra, he’s now directing the play The Mousetrap in Dubai with a cast of local artists. “Mumbai has embraced me with open arms, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunities it’s given me,” he adds.
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Snehalata Siddharth
For Snehalata, the year 2024 marks the culmination of years of hard work. A 2019 graduate from NSD, she recently completed shooting two Marathi films—Rao Sahib and Khalika Shivaji.
“Being a part of the Marathi film industry is an honour. Coming from NSD, I feel proud to have made this entry,” said Snehalata, who also spent time honing her skills as part of NSD’s prestigious Repertory Company until 2021. “NSD isn’t just an institution; it nurtures your talent and helps you grow into a better actor.”
