Salim Diwan.
The much-talked-about psychological thriller Aliya Basu Gayab Hai has now premiered on Lionsgate Play, captivating audiences with its intriguing title and gripping narrative. In an exclusive conversation, actor and entrepreneur Salim Diwan shared insights about the film, his character, and his remarkable journey from the corporate world to cinema.
Q: It's been a long gap to see one of Bollywood's talented actors, Salim Diwan, in a film which is a blend of mystery, suspense, and psychological drama. How would you define its core theme?
A: The title of the film itself is enough to spark your curiosity. What really drew me to this project was its psychological depth. It explores human emotions, perception, and the raw truth in a very real way. Audiences can expect much more than just suspense-it's an emotional and deeply thought-provoking experience.
Q: If we talk about your entrepreneurship and philanthropy, As per forbes India News and definitely on front page it shows you recently acquired a pharmaceutical company, Krux Pharma Pvt. Ltd., which is valued at 50 Million and we heard you have also adopted 40 kids. How do you balance your work life and acting? What is the mantra to handle multiple roles?
A: I am a very focused person who clearly knows his goals. I have learned to keep a 'switch on and off' mindset depending on my role. When I am acting, my entire focus is on the character, the rehearsals, and the craft. When I am in my office, I know my responsibilities. Using my years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, acquiring Krux Pharma was a big step towards my goal of expansion. Playing these multiple roles is easy for me, and I truly enjoy it. My ultimate purpose is to serve the nation by providing the best 'Made in India' medications and give the good health to everyone, and to earn people's love through honest acting. As for the adoption of the kids, that is a very personal, emotional matter-something I prefer to keep strictly between me and God.
Q: What is next for you? What do your next 1 year look like, and where do you see yourself in acting and entrepreneurship?
A: one year isn't too far away, but my journey has already begun. I am currently working with a couple of renowned directors who have given some fantastic films to the industry. I am focusing on challenging roles-not just your typical hero characters, but roles where my performance and appearance speak volumes. The industry and the audience's tastes have changed so much. Today, playing a character that becomes unforgettable to the fans is what matters most. In today's digital age, making a strong, lasting impact with your talent is essential if you want to stay in people's hearts.
Q: Apart from films, you have always stayed in the limelight. Aap hamesha se charcha me rahe hai.
A: I am a very professional yet deeply emotional person. Acting is my passion, but at my core, I am an entrepreneur and a human being with a soft heart. Over the years, whether through short films, music albums, web series, my business ventures, or my philanthropic work, I have always tried to stay connected to the people. Perhaps it is this genuine connection and my dedication to giving back to society that naturally keeps me in the conversation-jiske wajah se shayad main hamesha charcha mein rehta hoon.
Q: If you get to work with big actors in a commercial film, or you get the best story but with no known actors, which script would you choose?
A: I will always choose the script that gives me the space to truly act-to showcase my emotions, my expressions, and to refine my craft. Whether it is a massive commercial film or a purely content-driven project, the scale doesn't matter to me as much as the substance. As long as I am enjoying my role and it challenges me as an actor, I am happy. I am open to both worlds, but the strength of the script will always be my top priority. Main screen par sirf dikhna nahi chahta, main kuch mehsoos karwana chahta hoon. That's what excites me as an actor.
Q: You have a long association with Rajasthan Aushdhalaya Pvt. Ltd., a 2000 Crore herbal company, which is also the parent company of Krux Pharma Pvt. Ltd. With such a massive business profile, is it very easy for you to get roles in films?
A: That is a very good question, and I appreciate you asking it. Many people looking from the outside assume that if you are a successful enterpreneur getting into films is easy. But let me tell you, leaving my entrepreneurial life outside and standing in front of a director as a pure actor is incredibly challenging. Success in business doesn't give you a free pass in front of the camera. You still have to struggle, give auditions, and request casting directors for good roles, completely keeping your business success out of the room. It takes hard work, the right timing, and luck. If you want to act and create a space in your fans' hearts, you have to surrender yourself completely to the craft and make an impact through your talent alone, not your background and I completely surrender myself to my directors and my previous work proves that.
Q: Recently, your reels are also getting viral on Instagram, where you share your thoughts and your journey which shows how Inspiring, sorted and focused person you are..
A: Yes, I recently did a few podcasts, including one with Mid-Day, and spoke with some influencers where I opened up about my journey. I shared the life lessons taught to me by my parents and my experiences moving from a small town like Jhunjhunu to Mumbai. Coming from a background where I used to go to my neighbor's house just to watch TV, to now having my own film releasing on a major platform like Lionsgate Play and Amazon Prime Video -it has been a beautifully surreal journey. The overwhelming response I've received from people is deeply humbling. I want to thank my fans from the bottom of my heart for respecting my words, relating to my journey, and welcoming my thoughts into their daily lives.
