Shaalien Malhotra: Writing and directing were never part of my plan
When meaningful acting opportunities become scarce, some actors choose to create their own. That is exactly what Shaalien Malhotra did. While waiting for the right role to come his way, the actor turned writer and co-directed the musical romcom Seven and a Half Dates with Suyyash Rai . Starring Surbhi Jyoti and Karan Wahi , the eight-episode series, which was released in May, explores modern-day romance and relationships in the digital age.
For Shaalien, the subject came naturally because it reflected the person he believes he is. He shares, “I couldn’t have connected to any other story more than this one. Contrary to the perception people have of me because of the characters I’ve played and the way I look, I’m actually a hardcore romantic. Stories about love, life and relationships come naturally to me because I’m a keen observer of people and emotions.”
The journey from script to screen was equally organic. While the story existed, it was not initially written as a web series. He says, “One day Suyyash called and asked if I had something I wanted to direct. I told him about this story and he immediately said, ‘Why don’t you direct it?’ Since it was my baby, I agreed. While discussing the casting, Karan Wahi was the first name that came to mind. He’s a very close friend and, more importantly, the character demanded someone like him. In real life too, Karan is very similar to his character Aadar.”
Casting Surbhi Jyoti, however, seemed far less likely. Shaalien says, “For the longest time, we didn’t even think of approaching Surbhi because we were convinced she wouldn’t do YouTube . But one day, while we were brainstorming, her name came up again. I said, ‘Ek baar try kar lete hain.’ To our surprise, she agreed. She told us she was doing it only because we are friends. Character-wise, though, she was absolutely perfect. Anyone who knows Surbhi will agree that she was the best possible choice for Aaina.”
For Shaalien, the subject came naturally because it reflected the person he believes he is. He shares, “I couldn’t have connected to any other story more than this one. Contrary to the perception people have of me because of the characters I’ve played and the way I look, I’m actually a hardcore romantic. Stories about love, life and relationships come naturally to me because I’m a keen observer of people and emotions.”
The journey from script to screen was equally organic. While the story existed, it was not initially written as a web series. He says, “One day Suyyash called and asked if I had something I wanted to direct. I told him about this story and he immediately said, ‘Why don’t you direct it?’ Since it was my baby, I agreed. While discussing the casting, Karan Wahi was the first name that came to mind. He’s a very close friend and, more importantly, the character demanded someone like him. In real life too, Karan is very similar to his character Aadar.”
Casting Surbhi Jyoti, however, seemed far less likely. Shaalien says, “For the longest time, we didn’t even think of approaching Surbhi because we were convinced she wouldn’t do YouTube . But one day, while we were brainstorming, her name came up again. I said, ‘Ek baar try kar lete hain.’ To our surprise, she agreed. She told us she was doing it only because we are friends. Character-wise, though, she was absolutely perfect. Anyone who knows Surbhi will agree that she was the best possible choice for Aaina.”
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