Exclusive Interview with Sharad Malhotra : Journey, Dreams and Upcoming Projects

Sharad Malhotra reflects on his path from Zee Cinestars Ki Khoj to Maharana Pratap, his dream project with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and his upcoming roles. Read What Insights for aspiring actors he has and much more in the Exclusive Interview with Devbhumi Magazine Below.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry? Do you have any other dreams or a dream project that you want to do one day?

Sharad Malhotra: My journey has been nothing short of destiny guiding me. It all began when I participated in Zee Cinestars Ki Khoj from Kolkata. At that point, I had no idea where life was going to take me, but one thing led to another and suddenly, I found myself stepping into the world of television with Banoo Main Teri Dulhan. That show gave me recognition and introduced me to the audience. From there, projects like Maharana Pratap, Kasam Tere Pyar Ki, Naagin, and many others followed, each one shaping me as an actor and as a person.

As for dreams, every actor has that one big wish, and for me, it is to be a part of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. His cinema is poetry on screen—grand, emotional, and timeless. To be able to work under his vision would be nothing less than a dream come true.

Q: Is there something new you’re working on that you want your fans to know about? They’re eagerly waiting!

Sharad Malhotra: I’ve always believed that good work should speak for itself, and right now I’m very happy with the way things are shaping up. My micro-drama series Galat, produced & written by Vikram Bhatt, has received an overwhelming response, and it’s encouraging to see how new formats of storytelling are being accepted by the audience. It shows that if the content connects, the medium doesn’t matter. Apart from that, I’m currently working on two more projects, which are very close to my heart. While I can’t reveal too much just yet, I can promise that a lot of exciting things are in store, and with time, they will unfold for everyone to see. My fans have always been patient and supportive, and I feel blessed to have them walking beside me on this journey.

Q: What’s the most challenging role or project you’ve ever taken on? Do you ever get tired, scared, or feel overwhelmed by the demands of your work?

Sharad Malhotra: Without a doubt, Maharana Pratap has been one of the most demanding and rewarding projects of my career. It wasn’t just another television role—it was an experience that transformed me. The physicality of the role itself was challenging. I had to learn horse riding, sword fighting, and all the special skills required to play the character from scratch, and that was no easy feat. But slowly, it became second nature, and today I am proud to say that I even became a horse parent because of it. That show made me feel truly heroic. It wasn’t just about delivering dialogues—it was about embodying a great warrior’s spirit, his strength, his resilience, courage, and his vulnerabilities.

As for fear or exhaustion, I’d say I don’t let those emotions dominate me. I’ve always been addicted to my work. For me, challenges don’t intimidate—they motivate. The tougher the project, the more it excites me. I thrive on pushing my boundaries.

Q: How do you handle the pressures of fame and public attention?

Sharad Malhotra: Honestly, fame and adulation give me a high. It’s an adrenaline rush, and that rush is essential to push myself to perform better every single day. Of course, there are pressures—expectations from fans, scrutiny from the public, constant comparisons—but I’ve learned to take it all in stride. I remind myself that this love and attention are not given to everyone, and I consider it a blessing. Rather than letting the weight of it slow me down, I use it as fuel to keep delivering my best.

Q: What’s one thing you wish you knew when you were starting out? And what advice would you give to someone new trying to break into the industry?

Sharad Malhotra: Looking back, I realize that having the right PR from the very beginning is most crucial. When you’re starting out, you’re often so focused on your acting and auditions that you don’t think about how important visibility, image, and branding are. That’s something I wish I had paid more attention to when I started out. 

My advice to the newcomers would be simple yet essential: follow your heart and stay true to your passion. This industry will test your patience, consistency, and self-belief go a long way, but the rewards are worth it. Keep working on your craft every single day, be open to learning, and most importantly, build genuine connections. Networking and constant self-improvement are key. Opportunities come, but you need to be prepared when your moment arrives.