PremiumLove School’s Madhav Shharma: I am made for reality shows, and Bigg Boss is a great career move
The model-turned-actor gets candid after the release of his latest film, Dream Hunt, on the Hungama app
Madhav Shharma
Last Updated: 08.59 PM, Jun 06, 2023
It is commonplace for children of businessmen to take over the reins from their parents and continue living a comfortable life. But this is not something that Madhav Shharma wanted to settle for. A model, actor, reality show contestant, and entrepreneur, Madhav wears several hats. He may be young, but he knows exactly what he wants and has his eyes set on the big picture.
His latest film, Dream Hunt, recently released on Hungama. Now that the film is out, Madhav had a no-holds-barred conversation with OTTplay, in which he spoke about his journey from Hoshiarpur to Mumbai, why he didn’t want to be known as a "bade baap ka bigda beta", and what his career plans are.
Excerpts from a conversation…
What was the journey like from Hoshiarpur to Mumbai?
I used to be overweight and weighed 120 kilos. I lost weight and got into modelling in Chandigarh. I then participated in Mr India and some other pageants. But due to some issues, I quit modelling, and moved to Mumbai in 2017 to try my luck there. I bagged a big TV show, Rishton Ka Chakravyuh, on Star Plus, which led to MTV Love School Season 3. After this, I got my first film – The Journey Weekend Night. After doing a couple of web series, I got a call for Dream Hunt.
So, was acting always a part of your plans and ambitions?
I just tried modelling because people told me that I have a good face. I didn’t know that all of this was in store for me. I was zero in my studies. I wanted to travel and didn’t want to sit in an office. People would say things like, I wouldn’t make anything of myself, waste my father’s money, and eventually join his business. I didn’t want to be recognised as just my father’s son. So, acting wasn’t a part of my initial plans, but I am happy that it has come to this. Itni ghar main bhi seva nahi hoti jitni actor ki hoti hai (laughs). I am enjoying it.
A lot of films are made, but only a few get released. So, I am happy that my projects are seeing the light of day. I am fortunate that my work is reaching the audience, and whether or not it does is irrelevant. These projects see me as a leading man and are helping me build my portfolio. I am looking at the bigger picture and know that this will help me in the long run.
How did Dream Hunt happen to you?
I was doing a web series in Silvasa when the local casting people liked my look and asked for my number. I got a call from them after I returned to Punjab with the offer for this film. They told me that the budget for the film was less, but I was fine with that since I was playing an important role in the film. I play a sophisticated guy who’s a good businessman and a good friend and boyfriend. It’s a film about a group of young people who want to head out for a good time together.
Both Dream Hunt and The Journey Weekend Night are about a group of youngsters who encounter something untoward during a fun time out. Were you okay with there being similarities between the two films?
Yes, there are certain similarities, which my mother also pointed out. But I want to make films that are centred on youngsters and carry an important message. People know me because of Love School, so I feel that even if five people watch my films and take away an important message from them, then it's my punya.
What is your dream role?
To survive in the market, I know that I have to keep working and pick from whatever is offered to me. But I want to do an action-packed role. I want to be an action hero.
You’ve appeared in reality shows, TV, films and web series. Which do you enjoy the most?
I love being on reality shows. I want to be on Bigg Boss, because main reality shows ke liye hi bana hu (I am made for reality shows). I am a very real person, so I am perfect for such shows. Being on Big Boss increases your fan following online. I love that show and I am a big fan of the host, Salman Khan. It's a great career move.