Javed Pathan, an up and coming Bollywood star, co-starred with New England's Gunjan Kuthiala, on a Music Video in New England produced by NRILIFE productions that will be released on Zee Music. The video was created under the direction of New England’s own Ganesh Davuluri. 

Lokvani spoke to Javed Pathan about his life and his career in television and movies. It is an inspirational tale of a young man from a small town with big dreams making a difference. It is the tale of a Muslim boy learning Sanskrit at high school that became his ticket to success. 

So how did it all start for Javed Pathan ? Did he come from an acting background? “Not at all” says Pathan. “I come from a middle class family in Dhanbad, a small town in Bihar. My father wanted me to become an engineer or go into the Air Force.  One day I met a cousin who had become a model and I was completely smitten. I decided I wanted to become an actor. So after high school I decided to try my luck in Mumbai”

What were the first few days like? “It was hard. I had no connections. No experience. Money was running out quickly. I had to do something. So I decided to become a waiter at Noor Mohamedi Hotel. Waiters got free food and it gave me the flexibility to go to the gym during the day. I ate a high protein diet and was able to work out and thus maintain my physique.”

How did he get his first break? “God’s grace and my parents blessing I must say. I went to DAV schools where Sanskrit was compulsory.  We had to chant the Gayatri mantra everyday. I took Sanskrit as the second language since it was easy to score good grades.  Thus from a young  age I could pronounce Sanskrit and Hindi well despite being a Muslim. “

“Mythological series are very popular now. Looking at my physique  and my ability to speak good Sanskrit and Hindi, someone suggested I try out for a role in Jai Jai Bajrang Bali.  With the Grace of God , I landed the role of Raja Yaksharaj. The rest, as they say is history. I did many serials including Jai Durga Mata, Devon Ke Dev Mahadev etc. Later I have had roles in movies as well. ”

How did he learn to act? “I learn by watching. I have no formal training of any kind. When you are motivated you really do work hard and I am delighted that I have the opportunity to act in films”

This was his first trip to the USA. How did he like it? “I love it. I particularly love Boston. People are so cultured and educated. I am truly honored that I got the chance to come here”

What does the future hold for him? ‘I am excited to do the projects in the US like the music video. I love playing negative characters.  People like Amrish Puri are my idols.  I think the negative characters give a lot of scope for acting. 

How does he, as a Muslim feel when he acts in Hindu serials? “For me God is all one. I am so grateful to Bajrang Bali for His blessings on me. “

It was inspiring to hear the tale of a young man from a small town making in Bollywood without connections. And he owes the beginning to his knowledge of the Gayatri Mantra and Sanskrit. A fascinating tale indeed !