Amit Sadh: We cannot just ignore mental health issues

The Bollywood actor tells City Times about issues plaguing Bollywood, his upcoming web series 'Avrodh: The Siege Within' and more

Mental health is not only an issue in India, but it also's a global phenomenon, and we need to identify it and learn to deal with it reckons Bollywood actor Amit Sadh, who is all fired up over his upcoming web series Avrodh: The Siege Within that's premiering on July 31 on Sony Liv.
The movie industry is a tough place and actors have to struggle to become successful, but Sadh feels it's the same with other industries. "Agreed the movie industry is a tough place, but it's the case with other work places too. Yes, there are issues of mental health cropping up now. Sometimes people go astray and other times they are on point. It's a new revolution, but we'll soon learn how to talk better, we'll find tools to improve mental health. Life, in general, is tough. Just step 40km out of Mumbai and look around, you'll see what real struggle is all about, people are having a very tough time out there. I'm not too concerned about the struggles in our industry. I was once working in a pizza outlet, and I can tell you it was a struggle for me. But we can learn all from all these experiences," Sadh told City Times over Zoom from Mumbai.
Not one to name or blame people, the actor has a positive take on the current state of affairs in Bollywood. "Some people are running around in a headless fashion and getting angry (over certain issues), but we need to show compassion towards them. I just hope from here on, leaders and people of importance, those who can make a strong impact on society can guide us. Collectively, as human beings, we can be supportive, gentle, and understanding of each other."
Yet he feels that we should not be silent observers and allow such issues to be swept under the carpet. "It's wrong to think like that. How can't ignore such issues and not do anything about it? You need to go back to your school moral science books and apply those lessons. Yet he feels that we should not be silent observers and allow such issues to be swept under the carpet. "It's wrong to think like that. How can we ignore such issues and not do anything about it? You need to go back to your school moral science books and apply those lessons. Only then will you find happiness, cultivate new thoughts and learn to be thankful, respectful and grateful (for everything). I've been interacting with people, and I can say change is happening."
The Kai Po Che! star has been on a roll lately with back-to-back releases - Breathe Season 2, Yaara (scheduled for July 30), Shakuntala Devi (July 31) and Avrodh: The Siege Within. Though excited about his forthcoming web shows, the actor feels humbled with the critical acclaim he has been garnering for his work.
"See my expressions. I'm kicking and alive. All I do is work hard and give 1,000 per cent to whatever I do. There are few things we plan, and then there are things which God plans and I'm a firm believer in that. All I've done is walked on the path of life, worked hard work and with sincerity, and today all this (praise), feedback and love I'm getting from people is a blessing. I consider myself lucky to have bagged good roles and movies," the actor said.

Working in Avrodh: The Siege Within
Explaining a bit about his role in Avrodh: The Siege Within, Sadh said: "The story revolves around the Uri surgical strikes. A special forces team led by an officer referred to as Major Mike Tango undertakes a daredevil mission to lead a team to eliminate terrorists. I wanted my character (Mike Tango) to portray the valour and mental capabilities of the special forces. Even if I've portrayed one per cent of that, it would be a bonus for me. A lot of sweat and hard work has gone into the show."
Sadh says he played the role of an army man with effortless ease. "I have been training for such a role since a young age as I was raised in a military environment. I went to an army school where we would do march past for lunch and dinner. I recollect, when marching for dinner, even if our thumb position was wrong, we would be punished and have to sleep hungry. I also received some training as a soldier from my dad. For the film, I underwent intensive training, including handling of weapons and learning army terminology. A lot of effort has gone into the film and I hope the audience will appreciate our hard work. Major credit should also be given to Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh's book India's Most Fearless: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes, from which the movie has been adapted."
With Uri attacks being the main subject of the series, there's going to be obvious comparisons with the Vicky Kaushal hit Uri: The Surgical Strike, but Sadh says his series is different. "For me, I just go out and play my part (in the show) I don't worry about any comparisons. The format of our movie, however, is different than Uri: The Surgical Strike. Our series is about the bureaucracy and what goes on behind the scenes, it's more of a political drama. The movie (Uri) is squeezed into two hours while our story is more detailed and spread across nine episodes," the actor explained.
"I'm a huge fan of Vicky and we're good friends. I want him to watch Avrodh. and get his stamp of approval. The biggest compliment, however, for me would be when the armed forces see our film and feel proud of our efforts. I want the youth also to be inspired by the film."

Yaara is a buddy movie
Talking a bit about his other upcoming buddy-crime series titled Yaara, the actor explained. "It's a movie set in the 70s. The story is all about the youth revolution of those times - it's about bell-bottoms, rock n roll music, etc. The story revolves around a bunch of friends who are into petty crimes, they later get into bigger things. It's a tale about friendship and what transpires between them in a journey of 30-45 years."
Dubai has some of the coolest people, says the actor. "I plan to visit Dubai soon and meet my fans, as well as people who don't know me. But right now, I want people to stay safe. Have faith, I'm sure things will improve and I'm sending you lots of love," the actor concluded.
michael@khaleejtimes.com