“Everyone has to drink from the well of struggle.” Actor Ankit Mohan has a powerful lesson for aspiring performers, and it comes straight from his own journey of rejection, patience, hard work and personal transformation. From filling diary pages with rejection notes to establishing himself in Hindi television and Marathi cinema, Ankit has experienced the entertainment industry's unpredictable nature from close quarters. In a candid conversation, the actor opened up about the challenges of working across different mediums, his deep gratitude towards television, the importance of staying grounded and why he once refused a film opportunity because he did not feel ready for it. His honest revelations offer a refreshing perspective on success in an industry where everyone wants to reach the top, but not everyone understands the journey it takes to get there.
When asked which medium he finds most comfortable, considering his experience in Hindi, Marathi cinema and theatre, Ankit explained that no form of acting is easy. Every medium comes with its own challenges, and performers must constantly adapt to different working styles. Reflecting on his early days, he recalled maintaining a diary where he would regularly write words such as "Not selected", "Rejected" and "Not a fit". He revealed that he had written these rejection notes approximately 400 to 500 times. According to him, aspiring actors should experience that difficult phase rather than enter the industry believing that success automatically belongs to them. He believes that while luck can certainly open doors, learning the craft from the basics is equally important. Interestingly, when asked what gave him the confidence to face different challenges, Ankit had a clear answer: television. He said, “So, if anything has truly given me confidence, it’s television—without a doubt.”
The actor also expressed how deeply indebted he feels to television because that was where his professional journey truly began. Explaining the demanding nature of television production, Ankit pointed out that actors often receive their scripts on the same day they have to shoot. Preparation time is limited, and performers are expected to memorise dialogues and deliver scenes throughout long working hours. He described it as a profession that requires exceptional memorisation skills, concentration and a deep understanding of the character. According to him, improvisation is possible, but actors cannot simply throw random lines into a scene. They must understand the meaning behind every dialogue and ensure that their performance fits the situation and emotional flow. He described television as a training ground that prepared him for bigger opportunities later in life. “Television prepares you so intensely—you’re juggling 10,000 emotions in a single scene, memorizing countless lines, and standing on your feet all day,” he explained. He further compared the hectic television schedule to running around like a madman while trying to capture 22 minutes of footage. His experience eventually helped him transition into web series, where he realised how much he had grown as a performer and how differently teams operate across various production environments.
Ankit also spoke about an uncomfortable reality of the entertainment industry: the difference in how people are treated depending on the importance of their roles. He observed that actors playing significant characters often receive excellent treatment, while those with smaller screen time may not always receive the same consideration. Calling it a brutal reality, he emphasised that every individual deserves equal respect, regardless of their position. For him, there is no difference between interacting with a spot boy and a producer because he believes everyone deserves to be treated equally as a human being. He recalled his early struggles when several actors were sometimes accommodated in a single room and given basic food arrangements. Those experiences gradually changed his attitude and taught him flexibility and humility. Coming from Chandni Chowk, he admitted that the attitude he carried earlier was broken down by the realities of the industry, and he believes that transformation was necessary. He explained that people must learn when to bend and how to adapt rather than remain rigid. For him, professional growth is a gradual process, moving from television to OTT and then towards bigger opportunities, one step at a time.
One of the most interesting revelations came when Ankit recalled an incident from his MTV Roadies days. He remembered staying at Rannvijay Singha's place with fellow contestants, including Vishal, Sahil and Shalin, when a conversation about film opportunities took an unexpected turn. Rannvijay asked everyone whether they would accept a film offer if one came their way at that moment. While the others enthusiastically said yes, Ankit surprised everyone by saying no. His friends could not understand why he would reject such an opportunity, but his reasoning was simple: he did not believe he was ready. He explained that accepting a big opportunity without having the necessary preparation would not necessarily lead to the results one hoped for. Ankit also connected this decision to his eventual entry into Marathi cinema, which came nearly ten years after he moved to Mumbai. By then, he had experienced enough professional highs and lows to develop the maturity and stability required to take on bigger responsibilities. Looking back, he believes his younger self might not have been able to handle the pressure. Those ten years included countless meetings, rejections, difficult nights, moments of happiness and extensive travel, with every experience teaching him something valuable.
Today, Ankit Mohan is recognised for his performances across television, films and theatre. From playing Ashwatthama in the television series Mahabharat to appearing in popular shows such as Kumkum Bhagya and Naagin 3, he gradually built his identity as a versatile performer. His work in Marathi historical films, including Farzand and Pawankhind, further strengthened his reputation, particularly through his portrayals of Maratha warriors. He has also ventured into live theatre, taking on the monumental role of Lord Hanuman in the musical production Mahabali. His journey reflects the very philosophy he shared during the conversation: success is not simply about grabbing the first opportunity but about becoming capable of handling it when the right moment arrives. Ankit's story is a reminder that rejection is not necessarily the end of the road, smaller roles are not less valuable, and every experience contributes to an actor's growth. As he rightly puts it, everyone must drink from the well of struggle because sometimes the lessons learned along the way become more important than the destination itself.