Actor Pawan Malhotra Shares Acting Insights On 2nd of Film Workshop at DLC SUPVA

Rohtak, August 20, 2025: The Five-Day Film Workshop at Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts (DLC SUPVA), being organized in collaboration with Cine Foundation Haryana, continued on its second day with sessions that gave participants a deeper understanding of acting and cinematography.

The highlight of the day was the masterclass by critically acclaimed actor Pawan Malhotra, who drew on his illustrious career spanning four decades to share profound insights with the participants. Speaking about the essence of acting, he remarked: “Acting is also listening. If you listen to other characters with depth, only then can you imbibe the emotion and respond truthfully as your character. Acting is about being present, receptive, and honest to the moment.”

With a celebrated filmography including memorable roles in Jab We Met, Bhag Milkha Bhag, Don, Judwa, Delhi-6, Rustom, and his award-winning performances in Earth (1998) and Fauja (2025), Malhotra emphasized the importance of discipline and integrity in the craft.

“As an actor, one has to stay true to the requirements of the character, irrespective of one’s personal or ideological predispositions. The craft demands honesty, commitment, and a willingness to surrender oneself to the story.”

In a special panel discussion, Pawan Malhotra recounted his early journey in the entertainment industry, beginning with iconic television serials such as Nukkad, Buniyad, and Hum Log in the 1980s. His early films Saleem Langde Pe Mat Ro and Bagh Bahadur went on to win National Awards for Best Film, setting the foundation for his acclaimed career.

Reflecting on his choices, he said, “I never cared about the length of the roles. What mattered to me was building a body of work that, even after 20 or 30 years, would give me satisfaction as an actor. Acting as a paradigm has evolved from simplistic stereotypes to complex, layered characters — because society itself has grown more complex. The key is adaptation.”

Praising the young talent at DLC SUPVA, Malhotra noted, “I have had the opportunity to work with some of the university’s young artists in my film Fauja. Their passion and commitment are inspiring. DLC SUPVA has the potential to lead the evolution of cinema in Haryana and eventually set benchmarks for the entire country.”

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Amit Arya expressed his admiration for the actor’s contribution to Indian cinema, adding, “Artists like Pawan Malhotra remind us that true art comes from sincerity, discipline, and humility. His journey is a lesson for our students that greatness is not about instant recognition, but about perseverance and faith in one’s craft. This workshop is helping our students realize that cinema is as much about values and dedication as it is about creativity.”

The morning session was led by Mahendra Pradhan, who introduced the participants to the basics of cinematography. He explained how a film’s visual language depends not just on technical proficiency but on the ability to compose frames that carry emotion, mood, and meaning. His interactive teaching provided the students with clarity on framing, lighting, camera movement, and shot design, all of which serve as the backbone of cinematic storytelling.

Registrar Dr. Gunjan Malik Manocha said, “The young generation today has more avenues in cinema than ever before, but their foundation must be built on discipline and hard work. Learning directly from stalwarts like Pawan Malhotra gives our students not just skills, but also the courage to dream responsibly.”