The secret behind Sanjay Nath’s versatility in acting

Sanjay Nath, a versatile actor who has made a mark in Bollywood, television, theatre, OTT and voiceover, sits down for an exclusive interview with us. From lead roles to negative characters in films like Bewakoofiyaan and Paathshaala to his standout performances in Bandish Bandits and Bose: Dead/Alive, Sanjay’s acting skills are unmatched. In this interview, he speaks about his journey as an actor, his versatility and how he brings authenticity to his performances. Join us as we delve into the life and career of this multi-faceted performer and get a glimpse of what’s in store for his fans in the future.

What inspired you to pursue acting and how did you get started in the industry?

I have always been interested in the world of entertainment and art since an early age. I participated in plays in school and college. Me and my brother would organize our own plays during the summer holidays and raise our own pocket money selling tickets in our defense colony. We were famous for playing Laurel and Hardy and acting always seemed like the perfect fit for me. I pursued commercial theatre after coming to Mumbai. Pearl Padamsee was my mentor along with Jalal Agha and started my journey in the industry by doing theatre, street shows etc back in the 80s.

You have played a variety of characters in film, television and web series. Which role was the most challenging for you?

I believe every role I play presents its own set of challenges. Each character is independent of who we are in the true sense. If I have to pick one, I wouldn’t be in a fair position to do so.

You are known for bringing authenticity and believability to your performances. What is your secret to doing so?

I think the key to bringing authenticity and believability (if I truly believe, you will) to a performance, is to truly understand and internalize the character you are playing. I believe in getting into the skin of the character and understanding its motivations, emotions and thoughts. This helps me bring authenticity to my performance.

Your performance in Amazon Prime Video’s web series Bandish Bandits received widespread acclaim. What was it like working on that project?

It was a fantastic experience working on Bandish Bandits. Anand Tiwari is a talented director, and it was a privilege to work with him and the rest of the cast. The show was well received by audiences, and I am grateful for the positive response.

You have also worked on international projects like The Good Karma Hospital, Beecham House and Sense 8. What was it like working with international teams and actors?

Working on international projects was a fantastic opportunity for me to showcase my talent on a global platform. The teams and actors I worked with were incredibly talented and professional, and I learned a lot from them. It was a wonderful experience, and I hope to work on more international projects in the future.

In addition to acting, you are also a voiceover artist. What do you enjoy most about voice acting?

I enjoy the challenge of voice acting, as it requires a different set of skills compared to on-camera acting. You have to rely on your voice and expression to convey emotions, and I find that very challenging and satisfying.

You are also a trained theatre actor and a teacher of the ‘Michael Chekhov technique’. How has your theatre training influenced your on-camera acting?

My theatre training has been invaluable in shaping my acting skills. The Michael Chekhov technique focuses on developing the imagination, emotions and physical expressiveness of the actor, and these skills are crucial in both on-camera and theatre acting. It has helped me bring a deeper level of emotion and authenticity to my on-camera performances.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors who want to make a career in the industry?

My advice to aspiring actors would be to never give up, to keep working hard and honing their craft. Also, to be patient and keep learning, as there is always room for growth and improvement. And most importantly, to stay true to themselves and their passion for acting.