Sidharth Malhotra on his decade-long journey in Bollywood: You have to live with your gut instincts and dedication

Sidharth Malhotra has completed a decade in the film industry and now, in his new step in his career, wants to encourage others to pursue their passions. The actor told the Hindustan Times about his acting career, from Student of the Year to the present.

Malhotra told the daily that he thinks people need to see their path from a holistic point of view as to where they started from and where they are today. He had a really extraordinary journey in the industry, coming from New Delhi from a non-film background and being here today, working for the previous 10 years and entertaining people in various diverse parts.

His career in the entertainment industry began as a model, and he then went on to prove his talent in a variety of productions, including Hasee Toh Phasee, Brothers, Ek Villain, Kapoor & Sons, and Shershaah. In the 2010 movie My Name Is Khan, he also served as Karan Johar's associate director.

Malhotra says, speaking candidly about his professional journey, that he just wants to teach people by his deeds that anything one puts their mind to is attainable. One should not always base decisions on what everyone else thinks. In order to succeed, one must eventually learn to live with one's gut instincts, passion, and obsession for a particular profession. The actor believes that by setting an example for others, young people will be motivated.

The actor, who has upcoming roles in films including Thank God, Mission Majnu, Yodha, and the web series Indian Police Force, believes he still has a long way to go before being considered an icon.

For Malhotra, it's a little early to be an icon or someone in the profession. He is aware that God and the work have both been good. But he does think that in order to be an icon and to receive some level of adoration from the public, one needs to demonstrate to them via their actions what it takes to achieve something in life, adding that he is making every effort to do so.