Amar Upadhyay: I have done around 20 movies, but I feel like I have just started out

Amar Upadhyay is arguably in the best phase of his career currently, where he is enjoying the best of both worlds – TV and films. So, while he had a good run as the male lead in the family drama Molkki, he embarked on a second innings in Bollywood with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. Unlike two decades ago, when he quit the small screen in pursuit of a career in Hindi cinema, today, Amar wishes to strike a balance between the two mediums. He says, “I am glad that I am balancing two mediums and quite thrilled that my second innings has started on a positive note. There’s still a lot to do. As an actor, I am very greedy to showcase my understanding of craft and versatility through my work. From here on, I want to work with a passionate bunch of people.”

Taking a walk down memory lane, the actor, while talking about his initial films, says, “Since I wasn’t from a film background, it took me time to understand the tropes of the industry. Initially, I was discouraged from continuing on TV by some filmmakers, and everyone said, ‘
Ab bahut ho gaya tumhara TV’. Besides, the movies I had signed were good in terms of scripts, but unfortunately, things didn’t work out.”

He adds, “However, I have learnt not to have any regrets in life. I can’t keep sulking over what happened and what could have, because it is inconsequential. Everything happens for a reason. My motto in life is to never give up because I believe in myself as an actor, and I still have a lot of potential waiting to be tapped. I know that there are damn good roles waiting for me in the future.


Amar’s approach towards his work has changed over the years. He says, “I won’t abandon one medium for the other. Things were different a decade ago. Back then, the norm was that a TV actor couldn’t do films and vice versa. However, now almost every actor is working across mediums. Today, I want to be a part of all screens, big or small. I want to play strong characters. I am excited about the offers from TV, too. I am lucky to be still working in the industry. In spite of having done around 20 movies across languages, I feel I have just started out in films. I feel like a newcomer.”

The actor says that his passion and enthusiasm for his craft have kept him going for so many years. “Look, acting is my passion, and I have been here for the past 29 years just for my love for my craft. My wife tells me that I am like an excited child whenever I bag a new project and can’t stop talking about it with my family and friends. The enthusiasm keeps me fresh, and it also reflects on screen,” he signs off.