Featured image source: Jaideep Ahlawat
You’ll remember him as Inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhary in the critically acclaimed Paatal Lok. Fans conceded that Jaideep Ahlawat essayed the role with finesse, terming his performance ‘gripping’ and ‘real’. His comeback in the newly-released second season of the series was celebrated with great fanfare.
But while his cinematic acumen is widely praised, the backstory of how Jaideep entered into Bollywood is little known. As he revealed in interviews, he had attempted to crack the Service Selection Board exam which would pave his way into the Army. However, after failing multiple attempts, he was disheartened.
Growing up in Rohtak, Jaideep was an outsider to the world of cinema. But he credits his late father’s unflinching support that led him to pursue acting when all else failed him. Recalling his father’s words when he expressed his dream of becoming an actor, Jaideep shared, “If he fails, he’ll do farming.” While Jaideep’s acting career began with him participating in plays and stage performances in Punjab, he eventually joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), for which he moved to Mumbai.
Life was tough but Jaideep’s resolve was strong. He perfected his craft and soon, success validated his efforts. His acting prowess can be seen in Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), Commando (2013), Raazi (2018), of course, Paatal Lok (2020) and Jaane Jaan (2023). When asked in an interview about the struggle that has now culminated in victory, he shared, “These are things beyond one’s control, and all you can do is be ready. In case something comes your way, you should be ready to grasp it.”
Edited by Khushi Arora
