Ashish Vidyarthi Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Ashish Vidyarthi is a name that resonates in the hearts of cinema lovers. Known for his versatility, he can be a sinister antagonist, a disciplined father figure, a witty detective or a typical supporting character. Having cemented his reputation as a seasoned actor with over four decades of experience, including over 300 films in 11 languages, 59-year-old Ashish is exploring new avenues.
After becoming a vlogger and motivational speaker, the National Film Award recipient’s latest interest is stand-up comedy. Ashish has done more than 70 shows across India this year, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai.
“I am naturally enthusiastic about life and eager to explore its many aspects. I am a firm believer in hope. I want people to stay connected to hope because when we have hope, we invest in ourselves,” he says, when we interviewed him during his recent visit to Madurai for the ‘Sit Down Ashish’ special .
Ashish Vidyarthi Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Ashish says that despite 40 years of stardom, he still has to face criticism and attempts to bring him down. “Whenever you try to do something different, there’s always a group of people who will say, ‘Enough of that, sit down.'” But he doesn’t want to sit down. “I will stand up and do comedy,” he says. His goal is not just to make people laugh but to offer something they can connect with. He continued, “I see my stand-up comedy as a way for people to laugh in that moment, and when they leave, take something away that allows them to still smile. , when life seems hopeless to them.”
Starting a new journey as a comedian, he emphasizes the importance of being open to new areas. “I have always been pushing boundaries since the beginning of my career. When I was working in Hindi films, I tried to enter Kollywood and later entered Telugu cinema. It has always been like this.”
He credits star comedians like Zakir Khan, Vir Das, Samay Raina, Abhishek Upmanyu, Russell Peters and Dave Chappelle for inspiring him to find his voice in comedy.
Roles and stardom
With his important roles in Dhill, ghilli, kandaswami And UthamputhiranThe Delhi-born actor has demonstrated his versatility in connecting with diverse audiences. His acting has left an indelible mark, making him a beloved figure in Tamil cinema. “I still look forward to great roles while travelling, exploring and sharing new stories with my audiences. Above all, the main part of my life is to make a difference in my life and the lives of others by choosing the right roles,” he shared.
People are often tempted to pursue acting or stardom after watching it from a distance. Ashish agrees that the reality behind the glamor often involves tireless effort and resilience. “To all those aspiring actors and artistes, I want you to stay connected. One day they may come very close to success, achieve success, or the next day they may find success unattainable. Nowadays, people become obsessed with the number of views and the income they generate. Remember, acting or performing is meant to be a fulfilling life, so don’t let it loose you mentally.
Ashish Vidyarthi Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Ashish also takes time to reflect on his experiences and appreciate the journey as well as the destination. “I am grateful for everything that has happened this year. I have allowed myself to be touched and carved by life and people.
As 2025 approaches, he shares his motto: Live life amazingly. He plans to launch online courses designed to motivate and inspire people. With so much to offer, he continues to embrace new opportunities and find ways to connect with and uplift his audiences.
published – December 26, 2024 05:20 PM IST
