Popular television actor Shaalien Malhotra, best known for his memorable performances in shows like Arjun, Ziddi Dil Maane Na, and Vanshaj, is embarking on an exciting new journey in the entertainment industry. The talented actor is now stepping behind the camera to write, direct, and produce an upcoming web series that has already generated significant buzz among fans and industry insiders.
Malhotra is collaborating with his close friend Suvyash Rai on this ambitious project, which features the fresh on-screen pairing of Karan Wahi and Surbhi Jyoti in lead roles. While the new casting combination has created considerable excitement, for Shaalien, this venture represents something much more personal and significant than just another professional assignment.
From Actor to Storyteller: An Organic Evolution
In an exclusive conversation, Shaalien clarified that his move behind the camera doesn't signal a departure from acting. "It's not a shift away from acting—acting is something I'll never leave, not till the time I'm breathing," he emphatically stated. His transition into writing and direction happened almost organically, beginning with his love for words rather than scripts.
The actor's creative evolution started with poetry and shayari. "I started writing poems, shayaris, stories... I released a few on YouTube too," he shared. Writing was initially a personal outlet rather than a professional ambition—he simply expressed what he felt without planning to become a writer. The turning point came when Suyyash Rai called him asking if he had a story worth telling.
"I told him yes, and he asked if we could direct it. Someone heard that story, they liked it, and suddenly I became a commercial writer," Shaalien recalled, describing how his passion project transformed into a professional opportunity.
The Unexpected Director and Strategic Producer
While writing came naturally, direction surprised even Shaalien himself. "I never thought I'd be a director. But if it had to happen this year, it was meant to be," he admitted. Producing, however, was a different story—it had been part of his long-term vision from the beginning.
The actor revealed that he had known from his first day in the industry that he would eventually step into production. "I started making ads... producing was always on my mind," he said, indicating that this move was strategically planned rather than impulsive.
What connects all these roles—actor, writer, director, and producer—is his innate instinct as a performer. "Everyone knows I never go to the vanity. I'm always on set asking questions—lighting, sound, lenses... everything. People call me the Energizer Bunny for a reason," he laughed.
Fifteen Years of Learning and Emotional Direction
With 15 years of experience on various sets, Shaalien's relentless curiosity became his most valuable teacher. "I've always asked: Why this shot? Why this lens? What's the reason for a trolley or panther movement?" he explained, describing how he absorbed technical knowledge throughout his acting career.
However, when he finally stood behind the camera as director, he prioritized emotion over technical perfection. "I wasn't thinking technically at all. I kept thinking about how I would act in the scene, how it should feel. That's how I built my shots," he revealed, highlighting his actor-centric approach to direction.
Shaalien credits the fantastic cast, particularly working with actor friends, for bringing comfort and spontaneity to the process. Having Suyyash as co-director made the journey collaborative and deeply reassuring. "We're in it together whatever the outcome, we've made it with all our heart," he said about their partnership.
The Pressure and Reward of Wearing Multiple Hats
Simultaneously handling writing, direction, and production responsibilities brought intense pressure. "Sometimes I'd rewrite scenes at 2 pm, shift into director mode at 5, and then handle production issues by 11 am," he recalled, describing the demanding schedule.
Long working days, tight budgets, and limited shooting time pushed the entire team to their limits. Yet Shaalien describes this pressure as "the good kind of stress—the kind I actually wanted."
The most rewarding moment in this challenging journey came when he watched the final cut. "When I go into post and see what we've created, it touches a chord. It's relatable, it feels like it came from the heart and went straight to the heart," he shared emotionally.
For Shaalien Malhotra, the true victory lies in seeing his passion, hustle, and sleepless nights finally pay off. "Seeing your effort all come together—that's the biggest reward," he concluded, marking the successful beginning of his new chapter as a multifaceted creator in the Indian entertainment industry.
