TV STAR Shaan Mishra began his journey in theatre and his talent shone through in productions such as Pani Aaya Gaon Mein and Tu Chanda Mein Aakash. Since then, he has made his mark onscreen with roles in Lovepantii and Maati Se Bandhi Dor, which premiered earlier this year.
Eastern Eye caught up with the actor to discuss his journey, latest projects, future hopes and passion for acting.
What has been your most memorable moment in your acting journey?
There have been many on stage in front of large audiences. It’s difficult to single out just one, as every time my work is appreciated and loved by people, it becomes a cherished moment.
How did you feel being cast in Maati Se Bandhi Dor?
Maati Se Bandhi Dor is significant to me. The platform is Star Plus, and the serial features a talented cast. Working with everyone - from newcomers to established names - has been a rewarding experience. They are wonderful performers who bring out the best in me, offering opportunities to improve, polish my skills and learn a great deal.
Tell us about the part you portray.
My character, Kishore, is a positive and humble college student. He’s the best buddy of the main lead in college. We have a group that hangs out and has fun together. After a long time, I am playing such a great role.
How does this character compare to others you have done?
In the past, I have portrayed grey-shaded roles, negative characters and also positive ones. However, I hadn’t played a college student on TV, until now. It brings back fond memories of my own college days, and it’s refreshing to be in a student environment again.
How do you approach a new role?
As an actor, I’ve played both positive and negative roles, so my approach depends on the story and where I fit in. The character must be well-crafted. I dedicate a lot of effort and preparation to bring it to life, doing all the necessary homework.
What inspires you as an actor?
Many things and people inspire me. I follow Shah Rukh Khan closely. Other actors I admire include Pankaj Tripathi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the late Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, Saurabh Shukla, Rajpal Yadav, and Ranbir Kapoor. These actors have distinct personalities and immense skill. Watching their performances and their polished craft is a constant source of inspiration. There’s so much to learn from them. They are oceans of knowledge.
Shaan MishraWhat do you enjoy watching as an audience?
As an audience member, I try to learn something that will enhance my acting whenever I watch a performance. I love films and TV, but whenever possible, I make sure to watch theatre productions - they offer invaluable learning experiences. That’s a must for me. I also enjoy good TV serials and roles.
Do you have a dream role?
I want to do cult films and play the protagonist. Even if I play a negative role, it should be impactful - something people remember for years. A role like that has always been a dream of mine. Working on a dark or cult film is my dream project.
Why do you love being an actor?
Being an actor requires discipline. You wake up early, work out, perform your rituals and prayers, prepare breakfast and then head to the set for a 12-hour workday, ensuring you are on time. Your life becomes structured, which is beneficial. Acting also allows me to entertain people and bring them joy. That’s the most fulfilling part of my life.
Tell us more about your love for acting.
Knowing I can offer people a break from their hectic lives is incredibly rewarding. I love creating entertainment that does just that. Bringing diverse characters to life allows me to live many lives in a single lifetime, which I find amazing. It motivates me to keep entertaining people for as long as I live.
Instagram: @shaanmishra1
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.