“I Don’t Choose Roles Based on North or South, I Choose the Director" – Rohman Shawl Breaks Down His Approach to Movies

Posted on 21 Dec, 2024

Post by Gayatri Tilgulkar - Writer at ELFA World

“I Don’t Choose Roles Based on North or South, I Choose the Director
Actor Rohman Shawl is steadily making a name for himself in the film industry, earning widespread appreciation for his work. His debut feature film, Amaran, co-starring Sivakarthikeyan, has become a Pan-India blockbuster, grossing INR 350 crore at the box office. Now streaming on Netflix, the film has brought Rohman into the spotlight, particularly for his portrayal of Asif Wani. His nuanced performance has not only earned him praise from audiences worldwide but also from the legendary actor Kamal Haasan, who expressed admiration for his work. 

Before Amaran, Rohman showcased his acting abilities in the heartfelt short film My Father’s Doctor (2023) and the upcoming short film Azaadi: The War Within. These projects underscore his dedication to storytelling and versatility as an actor. Off-screen he pursues interests like football, chess, sketching, strumming his guitar, and even writing and singing songs. His multifaceted personality adds a unique dimension to his artistic journey. 

In this exclusive conversation, Rohman opens up about his experiences, his inspirations, and insights into navigate the highs and lows of the entertainment world.


How does it feel to be part of a blockbuster debut like Amaran, which has grossed an impressive 350 crores at the box office?

Obviously, the feeling is out of this world; I’m still trying to sink it. The response has been massive, people have loved the movie. The cherry on top is that people have really liked my character, even though it’s a full-on antagonist who just goes out there and does what he does. It makes me overwhelmed and like I said it's still sinking in, I'm really happy. 


Given that the movie is a heartfelt tribute to Major Mukund Varadarajan, how did you immerse yourself as Asif Wani in his remarkable story? We’ve heard you didn’t take up any other work for two years while preparing for this role. What challenges did you face while embodying this character?

When I was offered this film, my director asked me to grow my hair because, according to him, I was a very sweet looking boy. He wanted me to portray the character of a full-on terrorist. Once I grew my hair, we started the workshop with Atul Mongia. The workshop helped me understand my character, which made the process easier. He got me into the mindset of the character. He is amazing at what he does. I understood my character there at the workshop, this only made it easy for me. The best part was how we shot the film on real locations in Kashmir. The environment itself was so real that, while performing, it felt like we are really living the character. Hence, the performance looks so real. That's why the feedback I got from people was, “I looked so fierce on the screen, they hated me and that's what made us love you more as a performer.” So I guess that's the biggest takeaway. 


The movie blends the themes of timeless love and intense action. Which part of the storyline resonated with you the most?

I didn't know much about the script until we started shooting. The beautiful part was that I was unaware of the romantic angle. I only knew my side and it was all action, I'd never been approached to play antagonist, so I was excited about such an intense role, especially as an antagonist.






With south cinema setting new records, high standards, and higher expectations, will your preference be the south industry?

My preference has always been the director. I don’t choose roles based on north or south, I choose the director. The first thing I do when someone approaches me is, I ask to speak to the director. It's never about north or south; it’s about the person who is making the film. If the director is clear about what he is creating, then you are good to go. So there is no debate, we belong to the Indian cinema, there is no north or south. 


After the success of My Father’s Doctor, how did you make the leap from short films to a big-scale production like Amaran?

So apparently, when 'My Father's Doctor' came to me through Danish Renzu, we were actually planning to shoot a feature film with him. He suggested doing a short film first to connect before moving forward with the feature. That’s how 'My Father's Doctor' happened. We did everything well but later on the feature didn't happen. There were some issues then. But in the process of doing these short films, I learnt a lot of technical things. Amaran just fell into my lap. I think I got very lucky because a friend of the director recommended me to him. I still don't know who that friend is, but that's what I have been told by Mr. Rajkumar. When he saw me, he said I could pull it off, and that’s how I got the opportunity. 


Your upcoming film Azaadi: The War Within is set to release soon. Can you share some insights into the project? How does it differ from your previous work?

I clearly remember messaging the director to wish him luck, and he called me back to say he still hadn’t found the right actor. I asked him, "Can I help you find someone else?" but he replied, “No, Rohman, I want you.” His conviction gave me confidence to say yes to Azaadi, and it was such a beautiful experience. It made me feel more confident about my work, and from that point, I decided to seriously pursue acting. Unfortunately, Azaadi has not been released yet, but it will be out soon. In the film, I play a J&K police officer, and the story blends family and romantic elements. It’s a raw, emotional project, and I hope audiences enjoy seeing a different side of me. 


What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

My career hasn’t been that long, but with Amaran and the overwhelming love it has received, I feel truly grateful. One thing that has stayed with me is when people said,” We initially went to watch the movie for Sai and Sivakarthikeyan, but we went back to see it again because of you,” So far, that has been the most rewarding part of my journey. 


Which of your contemporaries in Hindi cinema do you hold in the highest regard, and what about their craft inspires you the most? 

I am inspired by all of them. I'm inspired by all the seniors and the newcomers. So I don't want to name anyone in particular. Whenever I watch someone who is serious about their work, I am in awe of them. So, I draw inspiration from everyone. 


How do you balance personal growth with the high expectations of the film industry?

With age you learn a lot. Thankfully, I entered the industry late, so I don’t chase fame or glory. I prioritize myself. I know work is important but not at the cost of my well-being. I know it's a demanding industry, you will have to understand your strengths and weaknesses. You listen to your gut more than what others have to say, because nobody can know what you are dealing with in your life. Nobody should have the call of running your life. So yeah I think it's important to be comfortable in your skin. 




You’re known for your fitness. How do you adapt your workout routines during demanding film schedules? 

Fitness is a lifestyle you always adapt to. I’ve always been an athlete throughout my school and college days. To this day, every Wednesday is my football day. If I'm in Bombay and not working, I will go and play. It doesn't matter if I'm injured or not; I'll be there on the field, even if it’s just standing on the sidelines and watching others play. That keeps me in the groove. So it's so important to immerse yourself in a sport and spend time outdoors. This is important for both your physical and mental well-being, Personally, I love yoga and mostly focus on body weight exercises. I haven't been to a gym in a long time, but running and playing football has been so helpful too. Eating healthy and doing yoga have become a lifestyle for me. Once you see the results, you get addicted to good health. 


Many of your fans wonder, what does a day of eating look like for you? Do you follow a strict diet or believe in indulging occasionally?

I'm a foodie, a full-on North Indian food lover. Being a Kashmiri, I have always loved Wazwan, though I can’t eat too much mutton anymore. I try to keep it simple. In Bombay, I usually have brunch and dinner with nothing in between. My breakfast typically consists of two avocado toast, three sunny-side up eggs, and coffee. I prepare my own meals and make my own bed, two habits I make sure to follow every day. Because that's what makes me think I'm doing something right. If I wake one day and skip either of these tasks, I feel like something is wrong. 
For dinner, I usually have rice. I love rice so I incorporate daal or tandoori chicken with it. If I go out, there might be cheat meals but this is what I eat normally. When I'm travelling, I enjoy exploring different cuisines. However, when I’m in Bombay, I stick to this simple consistent diet. 


What advice would you give to emerging artists striving to make their mark in both regional and national films?

I believe I still have a lot to achieve before I can give advice about work. However, what I have always followed is focusing on my craft and my work rather than getting caught up in external opinions. It's important to work hard. I know a lot of people will give you a lot of advice but always follow your gut, and keep working hard and don't give up. Being nice to yourself and others will always take you ahead. Always remember that.

Rohman Shawl’s journey in the entertainment industry is just beginning, with each project, he showcases his commitment to growth, hard work, and passion. As he continues to push boundaries with his craft, we can expect even greater things from this rising star. Keep watching, there's much more to come!

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