Yodha actor Mikhail Yawalkar reveals what has kept him going for 10 years in the industry: ‘To be bankable, to be seen is important’

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Mikhail, who hails from a family of sculptors, joined Barry John’s Acting Studio after he returned to Mumbai. Sharing that he bagged his very first role in Mardaani during a wedding, Mikhail says, “I come from no lineage, had to audition for roles. I made all contacts myself. My first film was Mardaani with Rani Mukerji where I played a Sikh police officer. At my friend Varun Kapoor’s wedding, I was hosting his sangeet. Someone noticed me there and introduced me to Aditya Chopra. Six months after that I met Adi sir, I auditioned for Mardaani. Shanoo Sharma and Pradeep Sircar auditioned me, that is how I bagged the film.”

Sharing an incident of working with Rani Mukerji, Mikhail revealed an interesting anecdote. He said, “It was incredible to work with her. We have grown up watching her, so sharing several frames with her was daunting but also a learning experience. I had to ride a bike in Mardaani and I didn’t know how, they gave me a big Enfield and told me Rani Mam was going to sit behind me. How would I learn to ride a bike with my heroine riding pillion? I was on tenterhooks, eventually I learned how to ride a bike, and she sat behind me. Jokingly she even warned me, ‘Don’t drop me, because if that happens the film is over’. She taught me a lot.”

Mikhail Yawalkar in a still from Jogi

When asked in the last decade, what has kept him going? Mikhail explains, “I still don’t know what keeps me going to date, I think it all boils down to believing in myself. I believe in myself as an actor, I think I can be extremely good, but there have been moments that have been down and out. It has been 10 years, recognition has not been that much despite every performance from me being lauded, despite people saying, was that you? My dream is very far-fetched, it is to be a guy who people love and that is happening. People watched me in Yodha, in Jogi, so I want to continue having that ability of being a chameleon of sorts. The low moments are very low, but the highs of being on a set outweigh those moments of sadness and anxiety about getting work. The idea is to keep going.”

Mikhail has also worked with Prakash Jha in Jai Gangaajal, which starred Priyanka Chopra. Talking about bagging that film, Mikhail shared it was the only one for which he didn’t audition. “Apart from your first film, every other film is a hustle until and unless you are known or bankable. You have to still reach out to people, I don’t have anyone representing me, I am doing it all by myself. After Mardaani I reached out to Prakash sir’s office because I have been a fan, and I got a message from his daughter Disha. She happened to have watched Mardaani and told me I was very good. She called me for a meeting where I met Prakash sir. He narrated the part to me and said he thought I was a fit. It was a minuscule part, but this is one of the few parts I didn’t have to audition for actually.”

Mikhail Yawalkar in a still from Yodha

Explaining how life has changed after Yodha, Mikhail said validation from the industry translates into work. He said, “Life is the same, it is wonderful, the film is being well received in certain pockets. I have done action for the first time, so my part is well received. I am getting some calls, inquiries, and recognition, so hopefully, my life will get busier now with more work which I think is around the corner.” He also added, “Validation is one thing, I get praised a lot. I am told I am very versatile and talented, but there have not been too many people who have given me work after that. I am not a victim here, no one owes me anything. Validation is important, but I think the game of optics plays a big role. Just to be bankable, to be seen is important.”

Mikhail feels having a guiding force in the industry is important, and even though he feels blessed to have worked with the best people in the industry, he is hopeful to see the adulation translate into work. For now, after Yodha there are a few conversations, and the talented actor is hopeful to lock something soon.