This guy is unapologetically himself! Effortlessly blurring lines between fashion and performance, #SahilSalathia brings his fearless style and striking presence to the latest digital cover of Filmfare. Talking about his journey in showbiz, he quipped, “This business is anything but fair. However, it’s a very giving profession.”
When you started did you always want to pursue acting or did you always want to become this fashion icon?
Honestly, more than me, I would give the credit to Ashutosh Gowariker because he got me into acting. He introduced me with a show called Everest, which was a TV series he made. Before that, I was just modeling. His casting team spotted me, got me to Bombay and I shot for Everest. That’s how my acting career began.Otherwise, I was always artistic, maybe creative, but not essentially acting. So I think it all just happened on its own, like destiny. And when a filmmaker like Ashutosh Gowariker trusts you with a protagonist, it feels right. You feel like you are at the right place.
Having worked in fashion industry, television and OTT, how do you think opportunities have evolved over time since you started?
To be very honest, I’ve always been a bit stuck-up about quality. I never believed in doing TV serials, so I never did them. I did Panipat with Ashutosh sir and two TV series, Everest and POW: Prisoners of War by Nikkhil Advani. Both were limited series. I’ve always believed in quality, whether on screen or in fashion. Even if you see me less, you’ll see me in things I believe are good. Now, opportunities are way more. Instagram has become huge. Actors are making money through brand endorsements there. It’s not just TV commercials anymore. So yes, there are far more opportunities now and I feel blessed to be part of different spaces in entertainment.
When I look at your social media, it feels very curated and aesthetic. What kind of effort goes into that?
Thank you, that made my day. It is curated. My Instagram is like my public page. Whether someone knows my work or not, the idea is to give them a sense of who I am through aesthetics. You won’t see me doing random trends all the time. The idea is to showcase my personality in its truest form. There’s a lot of work that goes into it, but I enjoy it. You have to curate, create an aesthetic and that’s what makes creative people feel fulfilled.
You come across as very confident and fearless with your style. Is there a conscious strategy behind it?
Honestly, no, it’s really me. Whatever you see, even on a red carpet, I feel like I’m playing a character. I think you have to be true to yourself and I am. It’s not just for eyeballs. Why are Indian men so boring? Look at actors in the West like Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt or even the newer ones, they have extreme style. It’s not a taboo to be stylish.
For me, it’s not fearless, it’s authentic. We need more artists who break barriers. Otherwise, what are you creating?
Growing up, were people complimenting your style or did it develop over time?
Being in Bombay and in entertainment definitely gave me more confidence. When people send you love, it pushes you to have more fun and take more risks. Even growing up, I was quite interested in styling. I studied in Kendriya Vidyalaya in Jammu and Kashmir. We had white PT uniforms and I used to love styling them my way, even writing on my shoes. I got scolded for it, but I always wanted to add my own style.
Who has influenced your fashion style?
My mother has been a huge influence. Recently at New York Fashion Week, I wore a cape made from her saaris as a tribute to her. In terms of actors, I don’t think anyone influences my style. It’s very me, very authentic.
What’s one unexpected lesson this industry taught you?
The rules are not the same for everybody. People start at different points. It’s not a fair system.
But it’s also a very giving profession. People say Bollywood is harsh, but honestly, most people are nice. Maybe 8 out of 10 people are genuinely good. If you fit in, they welcome you. If not, you find your place elsewhere.
Quick segment:
One role in Bollywood you wish you could steal?
Every role Sanjay Leela Bhansali writes. Especially Devdas.
Fashion week or film set?
Film set.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m not into skincare.
If your life was a movie, what would the title be?
Shurveer, like a warrior.
Binge watch recommendation?
The Crown.
A fashion trend you wish would disappear?
Men thinking being messy equals being masculine. At least look clean.
If you weren’t an actor?
I’d still be doing something creative.
One city that inspires your style?
New York
Go-to way to unwind?
Have a picante.
Who helped you in your journey?
Ashutosh Gowariker and Nikkhil Advani. They both gave me multiple opportunities. I’m very grateful to them.
If given an opportunity, if you had to pick a couple of actors and directors you’d like to work with in the future, who would they be?
I have two filmmakers I would love to work with, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Mr. Karan Johar. I did Traitors with him last year, but that wasn’t acting, it was reality. I would love to work with Karan Johar as an actor, where he’s directing. I think he’s a very cool filmmaker and doesn’t get enough credit. He makes those quintessential Bollywood films we all love, like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, which is one of my favourites. That film had so much depth and was beautifully made.
One thing you’d erase from your journey and one you’re proud of?
There was a phase when I wanted to leave Bombay and move to the US because I felt left behind. I wish I hadn’t thought like that. What I’m proud of is my acting work and the fashion image I’ve created. As an Indian male actor, taking risks with fashion is rare and I’m happy I did that.
Also Read: All about style with Sahil Salathia
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: filmfare.com
