Avit Shetty | Model | Actor | Dancer | Mimicry Artist | Interview With TheTalkStreet
Avit Shetty is a Mumbai-based actor and model with experience in television and theatre. He portrayed Varuna Devta in the Kannada mythology serial "Hara Hara Mahadeva". In recognition of his work, he received the International Quality Award in 2024 at Taj Mumbai, presented by actress Rakul Preet Singh. Additionally, he has experience in human resources, having worked with the Ramee Group.
Can you tell us about your journey into acting? How did it all begin?
Growing up in a small 10×15 ft chawl room, I dared to dream big. My love for films began in childhood, but with no exposure or support, pursuing it felt impossible. Challenges came early—family struggles, bullying, and being pushed into Hotel Management against my will. But my passion never faded. After years of resistance, my parents finally allowed me to take an acting course. That was my turning point. I transformed—hitting the gym, refining my craft, and never looking back. My journey has been tough, but my unwavering love for cinema kept me going. Today, I stand stronger, proving that no dream is too big.
I have earned four invaluable trophies:
- IQA - Most Promising Actor in Television
- Bunts Sangha Group Fashion Show - 2nd Runner Up
- Tulu Kannada Cricket League - Champions & Runners-Up (Bunts Sangha A - Winners, Bunts Sangha B - Runner-Up)
- Indian Attire & Western Attire Show – Achievement Award
I am proud of how far I have come, and this is just the beginning!
How do you balance working in television serials, theater, and content creation simultaneously?
The enthusiasm and energy we bring to something determine our happiness. Without enthusiasm, even a salary of 3 lakhs won’t bring satisfaction, while true enthusiasm can make even a smaller income fulfilling. Both marriage and profession are similar—if we don’t have a partner or a job of our choice, we may survive, but we won’t be truly happy. I believe survival should come with inner happiness because a life without joy feels incomplete.
People often think about their own happiness but put a full stop to others' joy. No one has the right to do that, nor should they. Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones at others.
I haven’t been much involved in theatre for a while since everyone has been busy, but I’ve been managing other things through my fitness skills.
What inspired you to pursue acting as a career?
As a child, my craze for watching movies on DD1 sparked my passion for acting. I soon started mimicking everyone around me.
Acting is one of the rare professions where you get the chance to play various roles and experience different lives. No other field offers such a unique opportunity. We have only one life, and we have every right to live it to the fullest by stepping into different characters.
When you truly live different lives, you gain a deeper understanding of both people's struggles and their joys.
How different is performing in theater compared to television serials? Which one do you enjoy more?
In theatre, rehearsals go on for months, and there are no retakes—once you start, you have to deliver your dialogues naturally, with the right expressions.
On TV, you're given a script and have multiple takes to correct mistakes if needed. But in theatre, delivering a dialogue is like firing a bullet—once it's out, there's no bringing it back. Movies, on the other hand, are like a TV remote control—you get multiple chances to refine your dialogues and experiment with different approaches, just like switching between channels.
Have you ever mimicked a celebrity in front of them? What was their reaction?
On February 15, during a show, Sohum Shah mentioned that he is a fan of SRK. I responded by saying that I can mimic his voice. He expected a serious impression, but I delivered a comic one instead. His reaction was, "Good! At least you can pull off his voice."
Do you feel social media has helped actors gain more recognition in today’s times?
Technology has expanded widely. Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are now dominated by reels and stories. People have the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world with just an upload.
Earlier, these opportunities didn’t exist. Life was full of challenges—talent was only seen in auditions and, if selected, on TV. But now, it's much easier to display your skills. There are amazing shows running on OTT platforms and TV—keep applying! If you have talent, the audience will support you.
How did it feel when you won your first award? Can you describe that moment?
It feels like a dream come true—finally, someone recognized me as deserving of this moment. Once, I was criticized over a ₹10 trophy, and now, I’ve won a priceless one—something that no amount of money, not even billions, can buy. Achieving this through hard work on a grand level makes it even more special.
Attending an event at the Taj, experiencing the atmosphere, witnessing top actors up close, and even giving an interview on the red carpet—it was everything I had envisioned.
Looking back, until 2013, dreaming big felt like a struggle, and facing criticism was a constant. But now, those very dreams have turned into reality.
How do you approach networking in the entertainment industry?
Look at the positive side—don’t chase fame by doing something unacceptable. Instead, focus on things that earn appreciation and acceptance, and keep pursuing them.
Networking plays a crucial role in achieving your goals today. After all, what is seen is what sells—if something isn’t visible, how will it ever be recognized?
How did you balance studies with your passion for acting and performing arts?
During my studies, I never had the opportunity to balance academics and my passion because everyone around me was against my career choice. Coming from a middle-class family with zero connections in the film industry, pursuing entertainment was never encouraged. My school had no scope for the entertainment field, but I did participate in a dance competition with a classmate. Even after winning a small trophy for a group dance in 8th grade, I was criticized by my classmates. With no opportunities in school, I didn’t participate in dance for the next 2–3 years. However, in my first year of college (11th grade), I performed in a dance competition and received appreciation from everyone, including my Hunterzz group, other students, and even the teaching staff. Later, during my HM (Hotel Management) studies, I performed in group dances year after year, and the enthusiasm and encouragement from others truly inspired me.
I developed a professional interest in acting after completing my education. In 2012, I pursued a PGDM after finishing an acting workshop. Managing both studies and acting for a year was never a challenge for me.
That same year, my monologue of Nana Patekar’s Krantiveer climax dialogue went viral on Facebook. The continuous dialogue delivery and expressions received overwhelmingly positive responses from viewers, giving me even more motivation to keep going.
What are your goals for the future?
My only goal is to become a successful entertainer—whether through acting, dance, or any other art form. I want to be a part of the world of glamour, to showcase my talents to the world, and let them spread like the wind. The artistry within us should always be alive and thriving, never suppressed or forgotten.
Do you prefer stage acting or film/television acting, and why?
Both are equally important—stage helps with consistency in voice modulation and exercises, while films serve as a source of entertainment. The stage is for passionate actors who want to pursue it as a career, whereas films cater to all genres and audiences who enjoy the glamour of cinema. Each has its own unique audience, and my goal is to entertain all kinds of viewers.
What style of dance do you specialize in, and why?
Bollywood is in my blood—it's natural to me. All I need is the right grooves and training. I’m currently learning hip-hop so I can dance like a superstar, with confidence and style. Dance is more than just movement—it strengthens genetics and hormones, enhances physical strength, and boosts confidence. Anyone who has the courage to perform in front of others can take on any challenge in life!
How has your family supported your journey in the entertainment industry?
Before 2012, they never supported me in any way, and some relatives even created unnecessary chaos and drama.
Between 2010 and 2012, my parents felt I had no interest in working or earning for survival. It was only then that they started supporting me. But even with their support, the taunts never stopped—fueled by what others had to say.
Still, how could I ever give up? This is my first love, after all!
When did you discover your talent for mimicry?
During my Hotel Management college days, I performed a mimicry act in front of my friends. They were so impressed that they made me do it in front of our teacher. That’s when I realized I had a talent for mimicry. Everyone's reactions were amazing, and they all asked in surprise, "How did you do that?"
Who is the most fun celebrity you have worked with?
Everyone I met today in the role of a deity was amazing—each one radiated positive energy. I learned so much from them, and it was truly an incredible experience.On-screen, they portrayed divine beings, but off-screen, I witnessed a completely different yet equally powerful vibe in each of them.
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