'Music and dance is pretty much a part of my DNA'

Character actor

Siddhant Behl, who played Mastana, proved himself as a performer in Bollywood movie, Jugni. A romantic musical film written and directed by debut filmmaker Shefali Bhushan, Jugni has Behl in the main lead in the movie.

According to critics, his character had a solo act, which involved a performance in which he is seen hamming, swaying, jousting, but at the end of it, singing, always singing.

In the movie, the actor has compelled the audience to believe in his character. A DPS Mathura Road pass-out and a graduate from Delhi University’s Hindu college, he enrolled himself in NK Sharma’s theatre group in Delhi. With every show that he did, his desire to act and his passion to change it into profession grew stronger.

He was always keen and was actively involved in extracurricular activities in college. He even revived the dramatic society of his college called Ibtida, which was originally started by Imtiaz Ali during his college days.

Bollywood has always welcomed theatre actors in the industry with open arms. Known for their versatility and spontaneity, theatre actors seem to have an edge over others. And Behl’ hopes to walk on the path that has previously been treaded by actors like Shahrukh Khan, Om Puri, Manoj Bajpayee and  Irrfan Khan.

Behl says he’s an actor, dreamer and an insomniac; he is romantic in his existence yet vulnerable. He grew up in Delhi and was an avid sports lover. In his early years he was convinced that sports was going to be his profession until the “film bug bit him”.

He says, “You’re born once and only once you die, so what happens in between should be worth it. It is never too late to take a step ahead to take an initiative; work hard and be fearless. We should try to think big, to think wild; let your imagination flow. It happens or it doesn’t. These things don’t matter but still it’s about daring to dream.

It’s been a challenging journey so far but worth in every sense. I couldn’t have asked for a better platform than Jugni, my director chose me and embraced me. Though I am not trained in music but being a Punjabi, music and dance is pretty much a part of my DNA.”