Kashyap ShangariFor Kashyap Shangari, the start of 2025 has brought more than just birthday celebrations — it has marked the realisation of a long-cherished dream: being part of a Hollywood film. The actor, who has been part of series like The Fame Game, Shehar Lakhkot, Made in Heaven, and more, made his Hollywood debut in Inheritance. Directed by Neil Burger and starring Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor, the film was released in the US last month.
Reflecting on fulfilling his Hollywood dream, Kashyap shares, “Every birthday is special, but this one feels surreal. It’s not just a debut — it’s the result of years of persistence, self-belief, and passion coming to life. If someone had told me years ago that I’d be starring in a Hollywood thriller alongside Phoebe Dynevor, it would have seemed so unbelievable that I’d have jokingly assumed it was just a made-up story. However, deep down, I always knew I was meant to tell stories on a global stage. This achievement hints at the idea that life itself is like a script, unfolding in ways we might not expect, but that are somehow meant to happen.”
Talking about his experience working in Hollywood, he shares, “I’ve noticed that Hollywood operates with structured precision — everything is planned down to the last detail, from call times to shot divisions, leaving little room for chaos. Bollywood, on the other hand, thrives on flexibility and adaptability, where sometimes the best moments come from spontaneity. Both industries have their strengths — Hollywood’s discipline and efficiency, Bollywood’s passion and creative fluidity.”
While he couldn’t have asked for a better gift before his birthday, the day holds extra meaning for Kashyap for many reasons. It’s been a full-circle moment as he recreated a tradition with his mother. “On the day I was born, my mom went into labor while buying ingredients for gobhi-gajar-shalgam achaar. She never made it on my birthday again — until now. This year, we’re making it together, completing a loop that started the day I arrived. I prefer quiet birthday celebrations with my family and a few close friends — conversations, music, and kind words.”
Ask him if he has made any birthday resolutions, and he replies, “Resolutions have changed over the years, especially after losing my dad. Earlier, they were about pushing boundaries, achieving milestones, and chasing the next big thing. But now, they’re simpler and far more meaningful — creating memories with my family, making the most of my time with them, and ensuring that every moment counts. At the same time, I still have my ambitions, but they’ve become more focused. It’s no longer about just ‘making it’ — it’s about portraying well-written, impactful roles on celluloid, telling stories that matter, and leaving behind work that resonates. Success now feels like a mix of professional fulfillment and personal connection, and that’s what I want to keep striving for.”