The entertainment industry is often seen as a glamorous world, full of lights, camera, and action. Yet, behind the glitter lies years of struggle, perseverance, and sacrifice that shape an actor’s journey. Karanvir Malhotra, the rising actor who recently played medical student Jay Sheth in Prime Video’s Andhera, is one such example. His path to success has been anything but easy. In a candid conversation, Malhotra opened up about his humble beginnings, his early struggles in Melbourne, and how positivity kept him going.
Early Roots in Delhi
Karanvir Malhotra’s journey began in Delhi, where he first explored his passion for acting through theatre. Theatre became his training ground, offering him discipline, confidence, and exposure to storytelling. Like many aspiring actors, his dreams were big, but his path was unclear. Soon, circumstances led his family to migrate to Melbourne, Australia, where his story took an unexpected turn.
Working Like an “Office Boy”
In Melbourne, Malhotra got involved with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Unlike what one would expect from a festival team member, his work was far from glamorous. He described himself as “an office boy,” responsible for putting up posters in Indian grocery stores, distributing film passes, and promoting Bollywood, Punjabi, Malayalam, and other regional films.
The job may have seemed small, but it taught him humility and the value of grassroots marketing. “I would go around putting up posters and handing out passes. Some aunties were so happy to see their culture being promoted that they would give me ladoos and samosas,” he recalled. These moments kept him connected to his roots and motivated him to continue dreaming big, even while doing modest work.
Transition to Theatre and Commercials
While in Melbourne, Malhotra returned to theatre, a space that had nurtured him back in Delhi. Performing on stage helped him sharpen his skills, reconnect with acting, and stay grounded. Soon, commercials started coming his way, giving him on-camera experience and boosting his confidence.
Despite being away from the main Indian film industry hub, he never let distance weaken his passion. Every small opportunity felt like a stepping stone to something bigger.
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Breakthrough: A Call from Bollywood
After graduating, Malhotra’s turning point came when he got an opportunity to work on a film produced by Abhay Deol. He tested for the role, and before he knew it, he was on a flight to Mumbai. That decision changed his life forever.
“From that point on, I never went back to Melbourne—at least not until the pandemic. My family would call me and say, ‘Come back beta, what’s going on? You left and never returned!’ But I couldn’t help it—shooting takes so much time,” he said with a smile.
This leap of faith marked his entry into Bollywood, where he slowly started making a name for himself.
Staying Positive in a Competitive Industry
The entertainment industry is known for its unpredictability, rejections, and intense competition. Many actors often share stories of feeling like outsiders or facing harsh treatment. Malhotra, however, took a different approach.
“I’ve always believed that if you give positivity, the world gives it back. I never saw myself as an outsider, nor did I think people were cruel. That mindset would only make me cynical or negative, and that’s not the person I want to be,” he said.
This attitude helped him navigate challenges without bitterness. Instead of focusing on setbacks, he focused on learning and moving forward.
Andhera and Recognition
Malhotra’s perseverance paid off when he landed a key role in Prime Video’s Andhera. The series explores themes of greed, misinformation, and the impact of choices, with Malhotra playing Jay Sheth, a medical student caught in a web of moral dilemmas.
His performance has been praised for its authenticity and depth. Viewers connected with his portrayal of a character torn between ambition and responsibility. The show itself triggered important conversations about ethics, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
For Malhotra, Andhera wasn’t just another project—it was a reflection of how far he had come from putting up posters in Melbourne to leading a major streaming series.
Lessons from His Journey
Karanvir Malhotra’s story offers valuable lessons for aspiring actors and dreamers across fields:
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Start Small, Dream Big – Even if the first step feels insignificant, it builds the foundation for greater opportunities.
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Embrace Humility – Working as an “office boy” didn’t make Malhotra feel small; instead, it grounded him.
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Stay Positive – Choosing optimism over cynicism can make challenges easier to handle.
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Take Risks – Leaving Melbourne for Mumbai was a bold move that changed his career trajectory.
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Consistency Matters – His dedication over 12 years is proof that persistence eventually pays off.
The Broader Picture: Struggles of Aspiring Actors
Malhotra’s story is not unique in its hardships, but it stands out in his approach. The entertainment industry often demands years of unpaid or underpaid work, countless auditions, and jobs unrelated to acting. From waiting tables to working as assistants, many actors juggle survival jobs while chasing their dreams.
What makes Malhotra’s journey inspiring is that he never let struggles dim his spirit. Instead, he treated every phase—whether it was putting up posters or acting in commercials—as part of his growth.
Current and Future Endeavors
With Andhera bringing him wider recognition, Malhotra’s career is on a promising path. While he remains focused on meaningful roles, his journey also highlights the importance of adaptability and patience. Fans and critics alike are eager to see his future projects and how he continues to evolve as an actor.
Conclusion
Karanvir Malhotra’s rise in the entertainment industry is a reminder that success rarely comes overnight. It is built through years of perseverance, humble beginnings, and an unshakable positive mindset. From working like an office boy in Melbourne to playing a significant role in Andhera, his story proves that no struggle is wasted if it’s embraced with resilience and optimism.
For every aspiring artist, his journey offers hope: that passion, combined with patience and positivity, can indeed turn dreams into reality.
