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India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Actor Ashish Vidyarthi says he won't return to Bollywood without central roles
Renowned for his commanding screen presence and compelling villainous roles in films such as 'Drohkaal', 'Vaastav', and 'Kill', actor Ashish Vidyarthi has long been a respected figure in Indian cinema. Beyond acting, the 63-year-old wears several hats as a vlogger, motivational speaker, and avid his absence from the silver screen has not gone unnoticed. Addressing his fans' curiosity, Vidyarthi recently shared the reason behind his hiatus via his YouTube vlog. The actor candidly admitted that he is deliberately stepping away until he is offered roles that resonate with him, particularly central, substantial talk openly today and clear the air,' he stated in the vlog. 'You're right I'm not appearing in as many films as I once did. I don't know if the nation wants to know, but some of you certainly do. So here it is: I am a brilliant actor, someone who has portrayed remarkable roles across my career. But now, I'm holding out for the kind of roles I haven't yet received truly compelling, central roles," he said. Known for his intense performances in both Hindi and regional cinema, Vidyarthi made it clear that he has no intention of returning for stereotypical or supporting roles. He's standing firm in his decision not to accept parts that don't match his artistic a message directly aimed at filmmakers, he said, 'I often tell directors and producers: just because you haven't given me those roles yet doesn't mean you can't now.'Far from seeking fame or simply increasing the number of projects under his belt, Vidyarthi is prioritising purpose over quantity. 'I'm not sitting at home depressed,' he added. 'I'm just not settling.' His stance reflects a deep sense of self-respect and a career built on artistic integrity.- EndsTrending Reel
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Ashish Vidyarthi Wants ‘Central Roles', Else He Might Not Return To Films
Last Updated: Taking to his YouTube channel, the National Award-winning actor answered the question, proclaiming that he wants to do 'central roles'. Throughout the decades, Ashish Vidyarthi has emerged as one of the most celebrated actors of our times with films like Sardar, 1942: A Love Story, Trishakti and Drohkaal. Alongside acting, Ashish is also a motivational speaker and a vlogger; however, these days the veteran actor is not seen on the big screen any more. Taking to his YouTube channel, the National Award-winning actor answered the question, proclaiming that he wants to do 'central roles'. Ashish was seen stating that although he has done various amazing roles in his career, he is still determined to land lead roles in films. Ashish Vidyarthi Says He Wants 'Central Roles' In his latest YouTube vlog, Ashish was seen answering the highly asked question, as fans want to know why the actor is not seen in as many films as he used to. In his reply Ashish stated, 'Today, let's talk openly. Let's make a few things clear. All of you are completely right. These days I am not seen in as many films as I was a part of back in the day. I don't know if the nation wants to know, but some of you definitely want to know. I am admitting this myself: Main ek behtereen actor hoon. Someone who has had incredible roles throughout his career. But now I am looking for the kind of roles that haven't been offered to me yet: amazing central roles." Ashish Reveals That He Will Not Be Going to 'Sit Around Feeling Depressed' He further shared that he meets with directors, producers and casting directors, and shares his willingness to do central roles. 'I talk with directors, producers and casting directors, and I say to them, 'Ab tak nahi mila hai. Iska matlab yeh nahi ki ab nahi de sakte aap mujhe yeh role,'" he stated. Talking about his career and wish to play the lead, Ashish added, 'I am grateful for the fact that throughout my 30-year career, I have done 300 films in 11 different languages. But now I have decided that I want to do some good central roles. Sometimes we isolate ourselves from the world. We sit alone in our homes, but I am not going to sit around feeling depressed. I won't hold bitterness in my life." Ashish revealed that while waiting for the perfect opportunity, he has taken up time to pursue other paths like vlogging and motivational speaking and wrote a comedy sketch titled Sit Down Ashish. First Published: August 08, 2025, 13:18 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ashish Vidyarthi reveals he won't return to films unless he gets ‘central roles': ‘Main ek behtereen actor hoon'
Ashish Vidyarthi isn't just one of the most celebrated actors of our times. He wears many other hats, too. He is a vlogger, a motivational speaker, and a traveller. But why is he seen so less in films these days? The veteran actor answered the question in his latest vlog on his own YouTube channel, proclaiming that he wants to do 'central roles'. (Also read: Ashish Vidyarthi talks about Bollywood boycott calls, says 'such hatred is worthless': Agar aap khud se naraaz hai...) Ashish Vidyarthi has acted in over 240 films in 11 languages over 30 years. What Ashish said Facing the camera in his new vlog, Ashish said, "Today, let's talk openly. Let's make a few things clear. All of you (audience) are completely right. These days I am not seen in as many films as I was a part of back in the day. I don't know if the nation wants to know, but some of you definitely want to know. I am admitting this myself: Main ek behtereen actor hoon (I am a great actor). Someone who has done incredible roles throughout his career. But now I am looking for the kind of roles that haven't been offered to me yet: amazing central roles.' 'I won't hold bitterness in my life' He continued, 'I talk with directors, producers and casting directors, and I say to them, 'Ab tak nahi mila hai iska matlab yeh nahi ki ab nahi de sakte aap mujhe yeh role (Just because I haven't got them yet doesn't mean that you can't give me those roles now).' I am grateful for the fact that throughout my 30-year career, I have done 300 films in 11 different languages. But now I have decided that I want to do some good central roles. Sometimes we isolate ourselves from the world. We sit alone in our homes, but I am not going to sit around feeling depressed. I won't hold bitterness in my life.' Ashish then went on to add that in this period of waiting, he has taken up time to pursue other paths like motivational speaking, wrote a comedy sketch, named 'Sit Down Ashish', as well as a vlogger and traveller. Ashish has featured in many films in the last few decades and also won a National Film Award. He has been part of Drohkaal, 1942: A Love Story, Oh Darling Yeh Hai India, Baazi, Mrityudaata, Ziddi, Major Saab, Soldier, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Arjun Pandit, and Vaastav. Most recently, Ashish was seen in the first season of reality show The Traitors, which was hosted by Karan Johar. He was eliminated in the circle of shaq.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tired of being typecast, National Award-winning NSD actor becomes motivational speaker and comedian: Says, 'I won't return unless...'
Ashish Vidyarthi, renowned for his villainous roles in over 300 films, is strategically pausing his film career to pursue lead roles that showcase his untapped potential. Dissatisfied with being a 'posterless' presence, he's actively seeking central characters while engaging in motivational speaking and comedy. (Images: Instagram/Ashish Vidyarthi) No More 'Posterless' Appearances Comedy, Conversations, and a New Calling The Actor Who Refuses to be Forgotten In a world where actors often fade quietly into the background after typecast careers, Ashish Vidyarthi is doing just the opposite. The National School of Drama (NSD) graduate, who shot to fame with his National Award-winning performance in Drohkaal (1994) and became a staple antagonist in Indian cinema , has chosen to pause his film career — not out of disillusionment, but out of aspiration.'I've done over 300 films in 11 languages, and I'm proud of every one of them. But now, I want something more — a central role,' he declared in a recent vlog on his YouTube channel, which has over a million for films like Vaastav, Haider, and Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin, Ashish has long been the face audiences remember — even if that face rarely appeared on posters. Reflecting on the kind of roles he's done, he addressed the elephant in the room: 'These days I'm not seen in as many films. That's not by accident — that's a choice. I won't return unless it's for the kind of amazing central roles I've never had a chance to do before,' he said in his being known for commanding screen presence as a villain or side character, Vidyarthi believes he still has untapped potential as a lead actor . And he's actively pursuing it. 'I keep telling casting directors and producers: Just because I haven't been offered those roles yet doesn't mean I can't do them,' he than waiting passively, the veteran actor took a creative detour. 'I didn't want to just sit at home feeling depressed,' he admitted. 'So, I started motivational speaking — to uplift others, and honestly, to keep myself going too.'This pivot led him to develop Sit Down Ashish , a family-friendly comedy show devoid of crude jokes or innuendo. 'People had suggested I try comedy, so I created an entire set. It's a clean, feel-good show anyone can enjoy — something I'm genuinely proud of,' he his motivational talks and comedy sets, Ashish Vidyarthi is reaching audiences in ways traditional film roles never allowed. His corporate initiative, AVID MINER Conversations, curates thought-provoking sessions tailored for organizations, reflecting his flair for dialogue beyond in Delhi in 1965 to a Malayali father and Bengali mother, Ashish grew up surrounded by art. His mother, Reba Vidyarthi, was a Kathak guru, and his father, Govind Vidyarthi, documented vanishing Indian performing arts. After training at NSD and working in theatre groups like Act One, Ashish's cinematic journey began with Sardar and reached acclaim with the years, he's won a Filmfare Award South , two Filmfare nominations, and accolades in nearly every regional industry. Yet, central recognition in mainstream cinema has remained he remains hopeful. 'Yeh actor abhi zinda hai (This actor is still alive),' he quipped in his vlog, sending a clear message to filmmakers: Ashish Vidyarthi isn't done. He's simply waiting for the role he deserves.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Ashish Vidyarthi recalls how a filmmaker discussed dates with him at Mukul Anand's prayer meet: ‘Everyone was wearing dark sunglasses'
Ashish Vidyarthi, a graduate of the National School of Drama in Delhi, moved to Mumbai in 1992 in order to pursue a career in Hindi films. He had already appeared in memorable movies like Ketan Mehta's 1993 period political drama Sardar, Govind Nihalani's 1994 action drama Drohkaal, Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 1994 romantic film 1942: A Love Story, and Sudhir Mishra's 1996 thriller Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin. But he was still getting used to the ways of Mumbai, particularly the Hindi film industry. He recently recalled his first experience at a prayer meeting in Mumbai after the death of filmmaker Mukul S Anand, who was directing the actor in Dus, a film starring Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and Raveena Tandon, which never saw the light of day. 'We'd gone to Utah to shoot. It was the first time I'd gone to the US. We came back, and he died,' said Vidyarthi. On Cyrus Broacha's podcast Cyrus Says, Vidyarthi vividly recollected his experience at the prayer meet. 'I was a beginner, a novice in the film industry. I'd never been to a prayer meeting in Mumbai. The first time I land up, everybody's wearing white, with dark sunglasses. I never had white clothes. I felt so out of place because I was the only one in colour.' If the proceedings were already not awkward enough, they turned even more so for Vidyarthi as he made his exit. 'When I was stepping out, and I'm feeling very bad, so I've folded my hands and lowered my head. Then this gentleman touches me on the elbow and says (in a measured voice), 'Very sorry. Next week dates ki baat karte hain (let's discuss dates next week),'' recalled Vidyarthi. He then remembered responding to him with the same gesture of folded hands and lowered head. 'After stepping out, I wondered what's happening,' he said, adding, 'Unless you're personally related, you don't really feel the pain. But here, you're there in a professional capacity. And you're grieving together as a profession. Everything is slow, and everyone is whispering. It's like you're in the hospital, I call you up, and you say (whispering), 'I'm in the hospital.' So I say (whispering), 'Everything okay?' I start whispering just to respect that moment.' Also Read — Sameer Nair feels Indian adaptation of The Office would do far better today: 'Market was smaller then, wanted to do 11 seasons like US' He observed another recent trend related to mourning that's taken over X (formerly Twitter). 'Nowadays, something very interesting has come up on Twitter: it's 'Om Shanti.' Like how they say RIP. And it's followed by another line: 'Gone too soon,'' Vidyarthi said, adding, 'Call it 'Om Shanti. Gone too soon,' and you're safe. If I go, people would say, 'Gone too soon. Amazing talent. Was never used by the industry. Amazing talent.' Everything is clear. I've understood it. Society, in a way, also works according to what it should look like.'
