Ishwak Singh on Career, Films and Why He Can't 'Fake' It: 'There’s More to Life Than Hitting the Jackpot'

There’s something insistent about Ishwak Singh’s rise. There were no breakout headlines, his has just been a steady, almost monk-like climb with titles like Paatal Lok, Rocket Boys and Made in Heaven. "If I’d been given more than I could handle early on, I might’ve crashed. Everything came to me gradually, and I’m thankful for that," Singh says.

In conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, the actor reflects on his place in the ever-mutating world of streaming and cinema, and why he doesn’t chase the jackpot, but instead, keeps his head down and his soul open.

Edited excerpts:

Where are you in your journey right now? You've built a steady body of work, you're a castable name, and a versatile one at that. But where are you in your head? Are you in a phase where you want to do as much work as possible, or are you thinking more about curating carefully what comes next?

As they say in this industry, caution is good for the soul. It’s important to be careful. But at the same time, this is an actor’s playground—it’s supposed to be fun. I come from a stage background, where you’d be doing one play on Saturday, another on Sunday, and then jumping into something new the next week. That rhythm, that variety, is what I thrive on.

By 'mashup,' I mean different characters, genres and filmmakers. We have such brilliant storytellers here—it’s why I moved to this city, to be around them. But you also have to tread lightly. You need to stay on track, whatever that may be. I like to think I’ve done that. I’ve stayed consistent.

Over time, I’ve developed a sense for stories that speak to me. I don’t judge projects by the platform or the production house. Sometimes something flashy just doesn’t connect. Sometimes something modest hits you right in the gut. For me, it’s always about the writing—something with honesty, something engaging. And then I ask: will I grow as an actor? Have I played this before? Does it take me somewhere new? Even early on, when I didn’t have many options, I chose stories that felt right. Sometimes that meant smaller parts in films I believed in, instead of flashy roles in projects I didn’t. That mindset hasn’t changed.

You've headlined some major streaming shows, and your filmography leans heavily toward OTT. Do you think there's a real difference between a “streaming hero” and a “theatrical hero”?

I was surprised to discover that people even make that distinction. I don’t quite believe in it. Sure, there’s a delineation, but it’s not a line in the sand. These things are blurred. Some of the biggest names now are doing OTT shows. And some actors who broke out on streaming are transitioning into big-ticket theatrical films.

Globally, we see this all the time. Look at the West—it’s a more mature industry. Andrew Garfield doing Angels in America at the National Theatre while playing Spider-Man on screen! That’s what I’m talking about. Those lines don’t matter there. We’re getting there too.

Here, yes, the demarcations can be more airtight. TV actors, OTT actors, film actors—it can feel like different worlds. But I think the people who are breaking that system are the ones taking risks: the producers, the directors, the actors who are betting on the right stories, not the “right” packaging.

Ishwak Singh in 'Paatal Lok'

It's easy today to be a full-time working actor and still not be “seen.” Your face can be everywhere but not really register. Is that something you think about as a leading man in 2025?

It’s a strange thought—and yes, it scares me. But I try not to let it. I’m here to have fun. I have faith in myself and my craft. This industry has been fair to me. If I’d been given more than I could handle early on, I might’ve crashed. Everything came to me gradually, and I’m thankful for that.

I’ve trained myself not to overthink it. If you want to be creative, you can’t be obsessed with the jackpot. If you put in the work, stay grounded, and stay honest to your craft, things fall into place. That’s the only “plan” I have. Any other strategy, honestly, feels like an unnecessary burden. Plus, there’s more to life than acting in movies and making hundreds of crores. If I don’t become the biggest star, maybe I can become the best version of myself. That’s enough. I can’t fake it beyond a point—and I don’t want to.

Ishwak Singh in 'Rocket Boys'

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?

I’m a bit of a lone wolf when it comes to decision-making. I rely heavily on instinct. Thankfully, the people around me have only given me good advice—they’ve helped me navigate tough moments. So I haven’t really followed any bad advice... at least not seriously.

What do you want to be remembered as?

An actor who became a star.

And what do you want to leave behind?

(Laughs) That’s taking yourself a bit too seriously, isn’t it? I don’t think legacy is something to dwell on—not yet. Ask me again in 30 years.