Success is not an event but consistency of belief and working towards it, says Mirzapur-famed Nitin Mahesh Joshi

“I have wanted to become an actor since I could think for myself, and consciousness kicked in,” says FLAME University alumnus Nitin Mahesh Joshi. The FLAME School of Liberal Education’s Class of 2015 student, true to his conviction, had chosen Theatre as his Major and Minor subjects. The programme not only encouraged his passion but also became a source for advice that he has imbibed to perfection. “Prof. Hector Andrade once told me – ‘if you really want something, want it as desperately as your breath’. I have inscribed those words in my veins,” he says passionately. It hasn’t taken Joshi long to realise his dream and take centre stage with his character Raja in Amazon Prime’s hit TV drama - Mirzapur. A star is born from a flame that was once ignited and then cherished to light up the screen.

Prof. Hector Andrade once told me – 'If you really want something, want it as desperately as your breath.' I inscribed those words in my veins.

In its two seasons, Mirzapur has garnered huge popularity as well as critical acclaim. Raja’s character graph matched by Nitin’s power-packed performance has been one of the talking points of the season. Sharing screen space with acting talents like Pankaj Tripathi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rasika Dugal might seem like a dream debut, but it could also be unnerving. For Nitin however, it was neither. “I knew working with these acting powerhouses and the opportunity to work with the renowned production house would be a huge learning curve. But it was the most natural experience for me. I didn’t feel like ‘oh my dream has come true’ because in some ways I was realising that dream when I was at FLAME University,” he says matter-of-factly.

I knew working with these acting powerhouses and the opportunity to work with the renowned production house would be a huge learning curve. But it was the most natural experience for me. I didn’t feel like ‘oh my dream has come true’ because in some ways I was realising that dream when I was at FLAME University.

There is no arrogance in his words just assured confidence. Here’s a rising star, who was born to act and feels happiest on the sets. Nitin admits to being in awe of the entire world that was created on the sets of Mirzapur, but for him, it was his role – not alike what any actor had attempted in the country, which was the biggest draw. He sunk his teeth into the role and the results showed. Just like the show, he has received rave reviews along with a surge in his popularity. “Yes after the second season there has been some amount of fame and appreciation. I have been getting messages from all over the country and from abroad. This love keeps me grounded. I now live in Mumbai with my family; apart from that not much has changed,” he says.

Seems like a no-brainer given that Mumbai is the hub of the dream world of the entertainment industry. But to anyone making a dash to the city in a hope that their dream will be realised instantly, Nitin has a word of caution. “Mumbai is not a place for the faint-hearted. Besides your talent, you need a lot of perseverance. You have to train your mind to be strong and keep believing in your dream even in the worst of days. You get lucky breaks from the universe, but they happen only when you are consistent in your efforts,” he adds thoughtfully. He speaks from experience as he stayed with a friend for a month after moving to Mumbai, worked day and night as a casting associate forgetting all celebrations; just keeping his head down and working hard.

Mumbai is not a place for the faint-hearted. Besides your talent, you need a lot of perseverance. You have to train your mind to be strong and keep believing in your dream even in the worst of days. You get lucky breaks from the universe, but they happen only when you are consistent in your efforts.

His perseverance has borne outstanding results but Nitin doesn’t want to dwell on his success. He is back to auditions and reinventing himself. He admits that networking, being in the right place at the right time, plays its part. But if you don’t have the talent, you won’t be able to make the most of the opportunities. He reminds us that it’s an attitude he developed during his time at FLAME University. “I had decided to opt for the Performance Arts course. But after discussing it with my father, I chose to do the Liberal Arts programme as I realised studying a wide range of subjects will only enhance my craft. It was a nourishing environment and interacting with students from all over the country taught me a lot,” he says.

Nitin still chose Theatre as his major and minor subjects because of his strong conviction. It’s not surprising then that he misses Kalidas – the centre for performing arts at FLAME University, the most. He also mentions watching the sunsets, walks with friends, and the general sense of community on campus as the cherished moments that will always stay close to his heart. We ask him for parting advice to this community of his, and he says with profound thought, “Never let the world dim your light of belief. Train yourself in a wide variety of different skills other than acting. But always keep believing in your goals, simply because if you don’t, then no one will. It's your dream, you’ve to shelter it.”

I had decided to opt for the Performance Arts course. But after discussing it with my father, I chose to do the Liberal Arts programme as I realised studying a wide range of subjects will only enhance my craft. It was a nourishing environment and interacting with students from all over the country taught me a lot.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely the author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha