Shaleen Malhotra turns director for his first series: ‘I never thought I could direct’

Shaleen Malhotra

Acting may be his strength, but writing runs just as deep for Shaleen Malhotra, who catapulted to fame with his breakout role in Arjun (2012). The actor has now stepped deeper into the world of storytelling by launching his production house, Luck Films, with close friend and co-director Suyyash Rai. Three years of crafting ad films have paved the way for his first series, Seven And A Half Dates, headlined by Karan Wahi and Surbhi Jyoti. In conversation with mid-day, the debutant director shares how the dream took shape and why he chose to build it with friends.

Excerpts from the interview.

When did you decide to launch your own production house?
I think it was [always the plan]. When I entered the industry, I had thought that when I turned 35, I should have my own production house. I had just said it out loud to the universe. I didn't know things would conspire and it would happen. I started with making ads three years ago. Seven And A Half Dates is the first show. I really wanted to make something liberating.

(L-R) Surbhi Jyoti, Suyyash Rai, (behind) Karan Wahi on the set of ‘Seven And A Half Dates'

Would you say this is an outlet for the actor in you?
I think this is just one way of showing to the world that beyond acting, there is also a writer inside me. It is creatively very satisfying, which is something I realised when I was on set. When you manage to create something you've imagined, that satisfaction is very high. I now know what a director feels when [actors] give a good take. It's a very liberating experience.

Once you decided to take this step, what did you learn about yourself and the work you do?
I always thought I was very restless and an impatient guy. I still am, especially on set, but I learnt that I can also be patient. From producing ads to directing Seven And A Half Dates, I didn't realise I could be patient. There is a childlike energy in me. They call me the energizer bunny on set. But I have become more patient [waiting for a project] to see the light of day, to cast people. It was new to me because I have never been on the other side. An ad campaign gets done within a month. A show could easily take months - from creating, casting, selling the idea to getting a team together. We took about eight months for the show. I also learnt that I am not a bad writer. But I never thought I could direct.

When did you begin training as a director?
I learnt it on the set. People who I've worked with helped me. I have always loved to observe. So, when I was acting on set, since my first show, I've always been observing and asking questions. But I never knew it would help me as a director.

Did you ever feel like quitting?
Not at all. Because I know I didn't write this story to sell. People who know me, know that I can write. There was a time when I used to read a lot and write poems. I've always been a writer, but I've never gone public with it. I wrote this story because it came alive [in my mind]. I wrote it for me. Of course, I took help to write the screenplay. Dialogues have always been my strength. Suyyash, one of my closest friends, heard it, and that was that.

Many people avoid mixing business and friendship. Were you hesitant at all?
No. Suyyash is someone I can collaborate with happily. I know that even if someday, I call him and say not to do it, he will not ask another question. We are like brothers looking after each other. This is the first time we're working together, and it happens to be both our debuts in direction and production.

What did your risk parameter say when you started?
I have always been a risk taker. I only follow my gut. Sometimes it backfires, but if I change myself, then I also change the positives that came along by following my gut. The risk was high. It will be high until the show is out. But I had a feeling that if I made it from the heart, people would love it.

What is Seven And A Half Dates about? And were Wahi and Jyoti your first choices?
I think it's a piece that will touch everyone's heart for sure. It's relatable, new, and conversational. It's a love story ultimately. I wanted to work with friends first. Karan and Surbhi brought their professionalism and ideas. I let them improvise to fit [their dialogue delivery meter].

Did you know?

Shaleen Malhotra is now also dabbling in voice overs for dubbed Tamil and Telugu content