Breathe actor Amit Sadh: I had a troubled past

“I do not shy away from accepting that I had a troubled past, but in the journey of coming out of that dark phase, I understand humans better. I am less judgmental and more compassionate. I learned empathy and forgiveness, and that gives me confidence as a person.”

There was a phase in his life, especially after his break up from his girlfriend Neeru Bajwa, when he went through emotional ups and downs. He was reportedly on drugs and alcohol in his growing up years.

How did he approach the character?

“When Mayank Sharma (the director of the show) narrated the story to me, I felt connected to the character. Kabir is a strong man from outside, but broken from within. He is misunderstood by the society and therefore, not an easily likeable guy. For an actor like me, that was the most interesting part to play,” he said.

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“There is a certain sense of honesty in Kabir’s actions. He is aggressive and focused; almost like a tiger attacking a deer while hunting. I, as an individual, understood the character enough to treat him with a little more compassion and humanity.”

Amit Sadh in Breathe.

He lived the life of Kabir in his mind for three months while shooting for the series. “There is nothing called ‘switch on-switch-off’ in an actor. We are not machines. So, I sat down with my director and discussed my method of acting for this one and he approved it.

“On the set, there were people who made fun of me but later the same people clapped and appreciated watching my performance. That’s the impact,” said the alumnus of The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, New York.

The Kai Po Che! star started his acting career in 2002 with the TV show Kyun Hota Hai Pyarrr. Apart from doing fiction shows, he also participated in reality shows Bigg Boss and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi.

How does he choose his projects?

The Sultan actor said, “Whether it is a film, television serial or web series, there are three basic things that I consider when I give a nod for a project. Firstly, is the story bringing any effect on my mind. Secondly, the integrity of the makers, and how it will impact the society once the story goes on the public platform.”