Lead actor in a National Award Winning Gujrati film, professional ‘tabla’ player, radio host, and many more hats of talent is everything that summarises Maulik Nayak! Just like a film, Maulik’s life had various ups and downs but he ensured a ‘happy ending’ of all his barriers.
Being hit by a depressing disease that restricted Maulik to stay home, his rocket back to success is a true example of strong willpower.
The Stage: Maulik’s Happy Place!
Maulik was always inclined to be a performer! Little Maulik’s father identified his child’s artist instincts when he was just 4 recalling a time when Maulik would turn old oil bottles and sticks into his drum instrument. At the age of 8, Maulik doubled his skills by acting and singing. He would mimic guests coming over to his place and would run-up to his terrace to have some alone ‘day-dreaming time where he imagined himself being a stage performer.
Maulik laughs “I always lagged in academics scoring just 56% in my 12th grade and best marks in painting. My mother wanted me to become a teacher but my father always understood my place was at the stage. Therefore, he enrolled me at HK Arts College in Ahmedabad to learn theatre.”
He adds “As a kid, I would play the ‘tabla’ at Navratri functions and participate in dramas at college. Soon I became the first choice for all Gujrati plays. I was at my peak and then an incident occurred which changed my world.”
Overcoming a Life-changing Disease!
Maulik suffered from a health hazard by which he would faint at any time and the cause of this disease is unknown to date. He was advised by doctors to take rest and therefore his career paused for 3 years. During that time Maulik reached a point where he had suicidal thoughts but still kept going.
In 2014, his brother motivated him to get back to work and enrolled him in a Mass Communication course to restart his career. However, Maulik had developed a stage-fear and was hesitant to take up opportunities. When he got criticized by the play’s director, his self-esteem dropped even more. He regards overcoming this fear and his comeback as the most difficult phase of his life.
Where there is a will, there is a way!
Maulik is a strong believer of “When one door closes, another opens!” During his down period, Maulik was approached by a friend to host a Gujrati radio show on Red FM called Jigo-Bako. Something that started just as a try, became the talk of the town in just 3 months. The show’s wit and comedy coupled with Maulik’s voiceover skills and the ‘talk-to-my-hand’ emoji was an immediate hit.
This boosted Maulik’s confidence and brought him back to his performing shoes where he did not pay heed to any criticism and just rocked the show. He was soon approached for Gujrati films and has been featured in various comedy roles followed by serious lead roles in ‘Hellaro’ and ‘Montu Ni Bittu’.
Practice Makes a Man Perfect!
Just like all of us, Maulik had various traits that hurdled his success but he did not stop! He says “I used to stammer during plays and kept practising till I overcame that habit. I started studying myself and noting that during high emotional scenes I stammer and I should be cautious about that.”
However, practice comes with its bunch of hustle. To date, Maulik journeys by a cycle and bus ride of 55kms to learn ‘Tabla’ and that is not where he plans to stop! He also plans to master scriptwriting in his busy schedule.
He adds “I’m made out of failures! But only when you fail you will enjoy winning. Start from zero and build up your ladder to success gradually!”
