Mohit Malik, who made his Bollywood debut with Azad, says every actor is a student on the set

In the world of television, Mohit Malik is a name that rings out with intensity and grace. Known for his memorable roles in shows like Kulfi Kumar Bajewala and Samrat, he has built a name on the small screen. But there’s a new chapter unfolding in his career—a big leap into Bollywood with his debut in Azad. As his career evolves, we catch up with Mohit to know more about his decision to venture into films.

Time for the big screen

After two decades of shaping his career on television and digital platforms, Mohit felt it was the right time to step into the world of Bollywood. “The decision wasn’t just about wanting to do films,” he explains. “It was about reaching the right audience—people who could see my work and offer me the kind of roles I was aiming at.”

It was in 2016-2017 when he decided to expand his horizons. It wasn’t about leaving television behind, but about broadening his scope. During breaks between TV shows, Mohit looked for more opportunities and soon found himself working on Chamak (Sony Liv). Along the way, Azad happened. What makes this transition more remarkable is the seamless coordination of his schedules, which allowed him to juggle television, film and digital projects simultaneously. “It felt like divine intervention,” he says with a smile.

Matter of response

The response to his Bollywood debut was nothing short of overwhelming. “I wasn’t expecting this much love,” Mohit admits. “While the film didn’t perform as expected, the feedback I received, especially from industry veterans, was heartwarming.” Working with Abhishek Kapoor, the director of Azad, was a milestone for Mohit.

One of the highlights of the experience was working with Ajay Devgn. Despite only sharing two scenes together, Mohit was in awe of the learning opportunity. “He’s a legend,” Mohit says, reflecting on their brief collaboration. “Just observing him was a lesson in itself.” Another exciting aspect of Azad was the debut of Rasha Thadani and Aaman Devgan. Working alongside newcomers was refreshing for Mohit, who believes that every actor, regardless of experience, is a ‘student on the set’. “The beauty of acting is that no matter how many years you’ve spent in the industry, there’s always something new to learn, always room to grow,” he says. On his bond with Rasha and Aaman, Mohit says he found joy in helping them navigate the demanding world of cinema.

Films versus television

For an actor who’s been immersed in television for so long, the switch to Bollywood came with its own set of revelations. So, what was the most notable difference? Time. “In Bollywood, you get time for preparation,” Mohit explains. “For Azad, I had two-and-a-half months to prepare. You can delve into every detail of your character—understand their psychology, work on your physicality, even horse riding!”

This deep preparation process is a stark contrast to television’s typically faster pace. “In TV, you don’t always have that luxury. You often get just a week, or even days, to prepare.”

Despite this, Mohit loves the unpredictability of television. “That’s the beauty of it. You never know what direction your character will take, and that’s thrilling in its own way.”

Exploring unconventional roles

One role that truly pushed Mohit’s boundaries was his character in Chamak—a complex, emotionally heavy portrayal of a gay man growing up in Punjab. “It was about understanding his internal misery, his struggles, and the conflict he faces. Sexuality was a part of it, but it was his pain, his journey, that drew me in.” The emotional toll the character took on him was significant, but it’s clear that it resonated with Mohit.

Reality Show Lessons

Mohit has dabbled in reality shows too and his experiences on Khatron Ke Khiladi and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa were transformative in their own way. Though they were outside his usual acting roles, they pushed him to confront his fears—both physical and emotional. Despite his initial anxiety, Mohit overcame his stage fright, especially during the dance challenges on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. “I was terrified of dancing, but it pushed me to overcome that fear. The same with Khatron Ke Khiladi—if something scares me now, I face it head-on.” The journey of self-awareness and growth continues for Mohit, and he credits practices like meditation for helping him reset after every role. “It’s all about being neutral, being colourless, and then absorbing the new character.”

Up next

Looking ahead, Mohit remains committed to roles that challenge him. “I want to take on characters that push me—roles that make me nervous. That’s when I know I’ll be able to grow and deliver an authentic performance,” he says. Whether it’s a complex character, a genre he hasn’t explored, or a project that forces him to confront his own boundaries, Mohit is ready for whatever comes next.