Carving out a lasting place in Hindi cinema can be incredibly challenging, particularly for performers with no family ties in the entertainment scene. Malhotra, who became familiar to audiences through supporting characters in projects alongside Shahid Kapoor such as Ishq Vishk and Kismat Konnection, as well as in Ranbir Kapoor’s Anjaana Anjaani, shared that his journey took a harsh turn when he attempted to explore more substantial characters.
In an interview with Hindi Rush, he revealed how his request for deeper roles offended a major producer whose reaction drastically altered the direction of his career. He explained that the fallout from upsetting someone so influential left him without opportunities for nearly two years, creating a period filled with anxiety and uncertainty.
“When I asked for a different role, that big producer took it on his ego. Its side effects were dangerous. I was not prepared for its impact. When a powerful person like that dismisses your capability, you are finished. I had no work for two years. I was very scared after that,” he said.
After navigating the turbulence of inconsistent acting assignments and a brief phase as a television presenter, Malhotra decided to reshape his path completely. Determined to build something of his own, he ventured into entrepreneurship — a shift that eventually revitalized his standing in the creative world. Reflecting on those years, he explained that he established his own advertising company and began producing commercials.
His work expanded rapidly, involving collaborations with major Indian retailers such as Reliance. Beyond media production, he also explored the supply of everyday paper essentials, from tissues to bathroom rolls, which broadened his business exposure.
As he continued experimenting with new opportunities, Malhotra encountered the world of NFTs, a discovery that reignited his creative drive. The prospect of a medium that returned full control to the original maker deeply attracted him, especially since he never retained ownership of the films he acted in. This motivated him to study the space intensively, eventually becoming the first Indian performer to create and sell an NFT artwork tied to his personal creative vision.
When conversations spread about a possible government crackdown on cryptocurrency soon after the pandemic eased, he was advised to sell his digital assets. He followed the guidance, earning a sum that proved ideal for producing a project he had written. Using that amount, he developed, produced, and directed his debut feature film, distinguishing it as the first film in the world financed entirely through an NFT.
Malhotra’s professional life started in 1995 with hosting duties on Disney Hour, followed by his teenage stint in Hip Hip Hurray in 1998. He continued presenting with Disney Time in 2004 and later appeared in the Disney Channel series Vicky & Vetaal, portraying the ghostly character Vetaal. His transition into cinema began with Ken Ghosh’s Ishq Vishk, leading to roles in films like Salaam-E-Ishq, Kaal, Dor, Naqaab, Kismat Konnection, and Anjaana Anjaani.
