Will continue to work hard in 2022, but take time off for myself too, says Malhar Thakar

Dhollywood’s most bankable star Malhar Thakar had a busy 2021 and is now looking forward to an action-packed 2022, with films like Sara Bhai and Locha Lapsi in the pipeline. He was the first major star from Gujarati cinema to have braved all odds and had the first theatrical release (with

Dhuandhaar

) once cinemas reopened. Malhar had a successful stint on OTT as well with his web series

Do Not Disturb 2

(MX Player) and the Gujarati series

Vaat Vaat Ma

, while his film

Swagatam

had a direct to OTT release. His 2022 agenda: Malhar is hoping to “make films” he believes in with his own production house and another solo trip to recharge his batteries before he plunges into more work. Excerpts from a chat:

‘2021 WAS QUITE PRODUCTIVE FOR ME, 2022 LOOKS EXCITING TOO’

I love being busy and after a slightly laid-back 2020 when the pandemic slowed down everything, I am grateful that 2021 was much better for all of us. I am glad that people offered me work that had so much variety and I could get to explore myself as an actor. I think 2021 turned out to be quite a productive year for me professionally. I got to do a bit of everything-from web series (Do Not Disturb 2, Vaat Vaat Ma), straight to OTT release (Swagatam) to a theatrical release (Dhuandhaar) -it all happened. And now, it looks like 2022 will be equally exciting and action-packed for me.

‘WANT TO STRIKE A WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN 2022’

I have been working continuously for the last few months, at times without a break and I can see that the coming months are also going to be equally busy. I have quite a few films ready to release. The post-production work is also done, we just need to figure out the best strategy–how to get the maximum number of screens and good slots for these films. And if everything goes as planned, 4-5 films of mine might be released in 2022. I am also working on some really good projects under my own home banner. I want to make films that I really believe in. And I feel I should be able to take that creative risk now. Apart from work, I am planning to go on another solo tour, this time somewhere in Europe, once travel restrictions are lifted. It’s been a long while since I took a break. For me, 2022 will be a mix of work and pleasure.

‘GRATEFUL TO BE LIVING MY DREAM’

Even though I am successful today, I am still that middleclass boy who feels grateful that I am able to live this dream. I only wanted to act and follow my heart. However, while I do enjoy all the attention, fanfare and success, I don’t let these things affect me. I believe that I am who I am because of my fans. Whenever I choose a film, I always look at it from the audience’s point of view, that’s why my characters have been so relatable.