Actor Ahan Shetty has recently opened up about his journey in the film industry, discussing the highs and lows of his career and the persistent comparisons with his father, veteran actor Suniel Shetty. In a detailed interview with Filmfare, Ahan reflected on the four-year gap following his debut film 'Tadap' and the appreciation he received for his role in 'Border 2'. He shared insights into how he utilized the hiatus to refine his craft and prepare for more challenging roles while navigating the complexities of being a star kid.
The Four Year Hiatus and Industry Realities
Ahan Shetty made his Bollywood debut in 2021 with the film 'Tadap', directed by Milan Luthria and co-starring Tara Sutaria. Following the release, he faced a significant waiting period of nearly 4 years before his next major project. According to Ahan, this gap taught him a crucial lesson about the entertainment industry: people forget quickly. He noted that in an era of constant content consumption, maintaining visibility is a significant challenge. However, he emphasized that he preferred waiting for a meaningful project rather than rushing into films that would be easily forgotten. For Ahan, the focus remained on quality and creating a lasting impact rather than mere frequency of appearances.
Handling Comparisons with Suniel Shetty
Being the son of Suniel Shetty, an iconic action star who rose to fame in the 90s, Ahan has constantly been under the scanner of public comparison. He admitted that these comparisons used to affect him Notably in the past and occasionally still do. However, he has come to the realization that he has no control over public expectations or how people perceive his lineage. According to Ahan, the only element within his control is his hard work and dedication to his roles. While he respects his father's legacy and fitness standards, he's focused on carving out his own niche in the industry through consistent performance and unique character choices.
Overcoming the Star Kid Label Through Preparation
Addressing the 'star kid' tag and the scrutiny that comes with it, Ahan shared his strategy for dealing with industry pressures. Instead of resisting the label or complaining about the scrutiny, he chose to focus entirely on his preparation. Ahan mentioned that he dedicated himself to studying acting deeply and maintained a disciplined approach, often arriving on sets well ahead of time. He believes that if the audience and critics are going to examine his work minutely, he must provide them with a performance worth the scrutiny. His approach involved rigorous training and a commitment to understanding the technicalities of filmmaking to prove his merit.
Impact of Border 2 Success on Career Path
The recent success and praise for his role in 'Border 2' have marked a turning point for Ahan Shetty. After the initial struggles following his debut, the positive reception of his latest work has validated his decision to wait for the right opportunities. Ahan stated that the challenges he faced after 'Tadap' made him more resilient and patient, while he expressed a preference for being part of memorable cinema rather than signing projects in haste. According to the actor, the experience gained during his hiatus and the subsequent success of 'Border 2' have shaped his current perspective, where he aims to choose scripts that offer depth and resonance with the audience.