Raashul Tandon on Craft, Acting Roots and Why He Believes Discipline Matters More Than Stardom

In a reflective conversation, Raashul Tandon opened up about the foundations of his acting journey, emphasizing that long before fame or screen time, it is the craft and the right reference points that shape a true performer. Known for his steady work across films and television, the actor spoke passionately about staying grounded in an industry that often measures success through visibility.

“When we come here to become actors, what do we look at? What references do we have? For me, I knew about Bachchan sahab, of course, but my reference points were Mehmood sahab and Kader Khan sahab. Anupam ji was a reference point. Johnny Walker was a reference point. I am speaking from a personal perspective here,” Tandon said, highlighting how legendary performers shaped his understanding of acting.

He stressed that self-awareness is crucial in a competitive industry. “It is crucial to know your own mettle and your own value in the industry; I mean, if I were to say, ‘I am going to become Shah Rukh Khan’… that laughter alone tells you what the answer to that would be, doesn't it?” he remarked, pointing out the importance of realistic expectations and personal grounding.

Tandon also reflected on how success in the industry often comes in unexpected forms. “They say that landing even a single role or scene in a hit film is a huge deal; you could work your heart out in a flop film and nothing would come of it. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is proof of this. I have just one scene in that movie. When I shot it, there was actually a line of dialogue too, but I think it got edited out.”

Recalling his journey through different production environments, he spoke about the warmth he experienced while working with filmmakers. From his early days on Yash Raj projects like Seven to interacting with established names, Tandon described the industry as far more approachable than its public image suggests.

He also shared how his understanding of social media evolved over time. While he experimented with acting skits online, he eventually realized that authenticity mattered more than performance for the sake of engagement. Mentored by casting director Abhimanyu Ray, he was advised to “find your own mojo,” a lesson that reshaped his digital presence. Supported by his wife Manisha, he later discovered that communication and conversation were his strongest tools.

For Tandon, the essence of acting remains rooted in discipline, patience, and perspective. In a world driven by numbers, trends, and visibility, he continues to advocate for a craft-first mindset—one where performance matters more than perception, and personal growth matters more than comparison.