Published By: Sayan Paul

Happy Birthday, Sidharth Malhotra: Not 'SOTY' - He Was Supposed To Debut With Another Film

Sidharth Malhotra made his grand Bollywood debut with Karan Johar's 'Student Of The Year' in 2012. However, it wasn't the first film that he had signed. 

'Student of the Year' was a blockbuster at the box office, but not critically acclaimed. And its three lead actors Sidharth Malhotra, Varun Dhawan, and Alia Bhatt - who were launched with it by Karan Johar - were lauded by a certain section of the audiences, but were heavily trolled by others. They were labeled as "all glamor, no talent", with critics stating that they weren't meant for a long race. However, fast forward to today, and look where they are standing! Alia silenced all her critics with her second film itself, 'Highway', and went on to reign supreme in the hearts of cinephiles. Varun rose to stardom with his subsequent releases, and soon proved his mettle with films like 'Badlapur' and 'October'. Then there was Sidharth who took longer than others – he had plenty of setbacks thereafter, struggling for years to carve a niche for himself. For almost a decade, he was mostly seen as "someone who looks great but can't act". Finally, with 'Shershaah' in 2021, he showcased what he is actually capable of, establishing himself as an ACTOR. 

Well, Sidharth Malhotra's story is quite inspiring for every budding actor. It reminds us that getting recognition is never in one's control - and it may take years. What's in your control is staying consistent (which, according to Jeremy Bentham, is the "rarest of all human qualities"), doing the work, and most importantly, believing in yourself. The rest will definitely fall into place. 

 

(Credit: Sidharth Malhotra) 

The Filmfare Award-winning actor, who was last seen in the web show 'Indian Police Force', celebrates his 40th birthday today. On this occasion, we share an interesting fact about him that you probably didn't know. 

'Student of the Year' Wasn't Supposed To Be His Debut

Yes, you read it absolutely right! In an interview with radio host Siddharth Kannan, Sidharth revealed, "I came to Bombay when I was 20-21 years old. At that time, I was supposed to do a particular film with a different production house, different director. I was cast after being called in for an audition. I prepped for the film and waited for 6-8 months, but the project never took off). That director went on to make a film with another bigger actor, obviously so.”

It Was An Anubhav Sinha Directorial

Later, in one of his interviews, Sidharth revealed that he was actually supposed to be launched by Anubhav Sinha. However, the film was shelved, leaving him devastated. In his words, "Anubhav Sinha was the director who was supposed to launch me and two other actors. That was a film I auditioned for in New Delhi, and I had flown to Bombay to audition again. So a couple of rounds of auditions and they said that we will train. At that time, Adlabs Studio was there, and they were pumping in money to launch actors and new talent. So it was a very great initiative. It took eight months to a year, but for various reasons, it never took off."

So, What Happened Next? 

As already mentioned, Sidharth was completely devastated after the Anubhav Sinha film was shelved. He continued giving auditions but never managed to bag a suitable project. Then, as destiny had planned, he started assisting Karan Johar with the film 'My Name Is Khan' (2010). Within a few years, in 2012, he made his debut with KJo's 'Student of the Year', along with Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt. The rest, as they say, is history.

 

(Credit: sidharth malhotra fc) 

Years later, the actor spoke about how being on the sets of 'My Name Is Khan' was a game-changer for him. "At that time, to become an assistant director and learn by being on a film set was I think a game-changer for me. I am very grateful to get an opportunity to be on set as an AD because that was the film school training that I never had."

 

(Credit: sidharth malhotra fc) 

Some Interesting Facts To Know

It was once reported that Sidharth was originally supposed to make his debut with Priyanka Chopra-starrer 'Fashion'. However, the actor later denied it. 

After that film was shelved, director Anubhav Sinha and Sidharth met on the sets of 'My Name Is Khan' - where Anubhav came to meet Shah Rukh Khan. The two (Anubhav and SRK) soon collaborated on the film 'Ra.One'.

Contrary to popular belief, Sidharth is not entirely an 'outsider'. He is the nephew of renowned Indian fashion designer, Manish Malhotra, who is a popular name in Bollywood. 

Happy Birthday, Sidharth. Best Wishes For All Your Upcoming Endeavors!