June 18, 2025 : Actor Ishwak Singh, who began the year on a strong note with Paatal Lok Season 2 alongside Jaideep Ahlawat, has had a somewhat uneven 2025 so far. His recent big-screen outing Tumko Meri Kasam didn’t strike a chord with audiences. However, he remains optimistic, having just wrapped up Gandhari, a female-led film starring Taapsee Pannu, and with another web series in the pipeline.
Speaking about his role in Gandhari, Singh shared his thoughts on why many top-tier male actors tend to shy away from projects led by female leads. “Every actor has the freedom to pick roles that align with their vision. Some may want to be number one on the call sheet, and that’s a valid choice. I’ve experienced being both the lead and supporting actor, so I understand the dynamics,” he explained.
The actor further elaborated on the creative payoff that can come with being part of a story, regardless of billing. “If the character has a strong narrative arc, it gives you a broader canvas to explore as an artist. It can also attract more attention, offer a platform to refine your craft, and of course, bring monetary benefits. But it also comes with the pressure of carrying the film’s outcome on your shoulders,” he said.
Singh added that his decision to join Gandhari had more to do with the people involved than the screen time. “I’ve always wanted to work with Devashish Makhija. Even if I wasn’t the central character, I would’ve said yes. I would do the same if filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap or Vidhu Vinod Chopra approached me—it’s about the filmmaker’s vision,” he noted.
Addressing the question of whether it ever affects his confidence to play second fiddle in a project, Singh said, “On stage, I’ve seen actors with just a few scenes absolutely steal the show. When the script is strong and the storytelling is compelling, those concerns fade. I focus more on the journey and experience rather than worrying about comparisons. That mindset helps me avoid insecurity and also paves the way for working with respected filmmakers.”
Singh’s 2024 film Berlin earned him critical acclaim on the international festival circuit, even bringing home acting awards from the U.S. However, the film never saw a theatrical release in India—a reality the actor admits was hard to accept. “I watched Berlin multiple times in cinemas abroad and truly believed it deserved a theatrical release in India too. It was a powerful film—best screenplay winner, and to win best actor among a pool of Asian talent judged by industry legends in Los Angeles, was deeply moving.”
He added, “You build an emotional connection to such films and hope they’ll reach wider audiences. It’s disheartening when that doesn’t happen. But as my mentor told me—if you could do it once, you can do it again and again.”
Despite the ups and downs, Singh remains grounded and hopeful, continuing to seek meaningful collaborations over spotlight-driven choices.
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