Actor Vikram Singh Chauhan, celebrated for his performance in Mardaani 2 and most recently in Sena: Guardians of the Nation, sat down with India Today to reflect on his unconventional journey from practicing law to pursuing his passion on screen. In an exclusive interview, Chauhan recounted the highs and lows of chasing a dream that saw him leave a secure corporate career and navigate the uncertainties of the entertainment industry.
From Law to Limelight
Before making his mark on television and film, Chauhan was a lawyer with a top firm, working on complex corporate cases. Auditions were a weekend pursuit, with Chauhan balancing court filings by day and screen tests by night. “One such test landed me ‘Qubool Hai,’” he recalled, referencing the breakthrough television serial that first brought him recognition. Initially, he kept his acting endeavors hidden from his parents, fearing their disapproval if the venture failed. It was only after neighbors spotted him on television and alerted his family that Chauhan confessed his double life, only to be met with unexpected pride and support.
Calculated Risks and Early Struggles
Driven by a passion for dramatic arts, Chauhan’s move to Mumbai was a strategic gamble. Having worked in the United Kingdom, he booked a one-way ticket to India, fully aware that his savings would soon dwindle. “For almost one and a half years, I didn’t get anything. And the savings were drying up,” he admitted. During this lean period, he managed to secure a job in Delhi with the aim of transferring to Mumbai, a plan that eventually materialized. Living in a crowded flat with ten roommates and commuting via local trains, Chauhan persevered, embracing every audition opportunity that came his way. “Honestly, if I had to go back, knowing what it takes, I don’t think I would have managed to do it all over again,” he said.
Patient Pursuit of Passion
Even after the success of Mardaani 2, where he portrayed a determined law enforcement officer, Chauhan emphasized the importance of patience. “One needs to have the capacity to hold on, to wait for the opportunity, because they do come,” he noted. His consistent approach to auditions, treating each role as a test where both actor and casting team gain clarity, has been a cornerstone of his process. “There is not one work in my life that I have gotten without clearing an audition,” Chauhan stressed, underlining his belief in merit and preparation.
Television: A Stepping Stone
Chauhan acknowledged that television served as an invaluable training ground. Early in his career, the medium taught him to memorize lines swiftly, adapt to different camera setups, and understand the technical facets of production. While the financial rewards were significant, especially during his television peak in 2021, creative fulfillment waned as storylines became protracted. “The emotions and narratives became dragged out,” he said, explaining his decision to pivot toward film and OTT projects that offered richer character arcs and tighter storytelling.
Fatherhood and Future Plans
Amidst his professional reflections, Chauhan shared a heartfelt moment about his three-year-old daughter, who recently witnessed her father’s performance in Sena: Guardians of the Nation. “She saw some bits of it and asked, ‘Why is dad getting so dirty?’” he laughed, describing a fight scene where his character was battered. The actor and his partner, mindful of screen time limits, have kept their daughter shielded from the limelight, preserving her childhood innocence even as Chauhan’s star continues to rise.
Looking ahead, Chauhan remains committed to roles that challenge him and resonate with audiences. With several film and digital projects in the pipeline, the actor’s narrative is far from over. His journey from law chambers to film sets underscores a universal truth: with determination, resilience, and patience, aspirations can transcend the boundaries of convention.
By – Sonali