Actor Sohum Shah, known for his performances in Tumbbad and Maharani, recently opened up about his struggles with English and how it made him feel like an outsider in Bollywood. Coming from a small town in Rajasthan, Sohum faced difficulties adjusting to the film industry, where fluency in English is often seen as a mark of sophistication.
While talking to the media, he admitted, “There was a time when I used to feel quite inferior. I didn’t know English back then. The time I entered the industry, if you wanted to work in Bollywood but you didn’t know English, you wouldn’t ever get to play main lead characters. Around 2010-12, there was a notion, a class system. I didn’t know Al Pacino, Game of Thrones, etc. If you went to clubs, the songs wouldn’t appeal to you, and I would feel like a misfit. I spent a decade like this. I then saw a therapist. I was in a lot of pain. Mental health is of utmost priority. If that is in place, you can solve all other problems.”
In this candid interview, Sohum shared that he would hesitate to speak in meetings and social gatherings, fearing he might be judged. He recalled moments where he felt like he didn’t belong to this entertainment pool because he couldn’t communicate fluently in English. However, instead of letting this insecurity hold him back, he worked hard to improve his language skills while staying true to his roots.
Despite these challenges, Sohum has carved a niche for himself with powerful performances.
Leave a comment