With over 350 films across 11 languages, Ashish Vidyarthi is best known for his iconic villainous roles. But beyond cinema, the veteran actor has reinvented himself as a comedian, storyteller and motivational speaker, proving he is far more than the characters he has played. The Bichhoo, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai and Badal actor, who is also a food vlogger, was recently in Ahmedabad for his show Kahanibaaz.

He shares, “Fafda is my favourite Guajarati dish. The way fafda is made—slipped into hot oil and pulled out at just the right moment—is an art. And nothing beats hot fafda with green chillies and raw papaya kachumbar.”

Ashish, who married Assam-based fashion entrepreneur Rupali Barua in 2023, says, “I am grateful to the universe for bringing Rupali into my life. She came along at a time when I felt alone, and I have never been someone who enjoys being alone. I believe life is meant to be celebrated with someone, and somehow the universe conspired to bring us together. Today, we travel, discover, and create memories together. We met after the age of 50, which is why I truly believe you should never give up hope or tell yourself it’s too late. Everyone deserves to be happy.”

Talking about travelling extensively and exploring different cultures, he says, “It’s exciting to meet different kinds of people. Exploring different cultures makes you realize that there are so many other ways of living, thinking, rejoicing, and finding fulfilment in your life than you thought earlier. It stops me from being arrogant and reminds me to think beyond what I thought was right.”

Talking about staying relevant and the evolution of the audience, he says, “I don’t think about how the audience has changed. I kind of sense what is happening and then modify myself accordingly. So, I don’t sit in judgment of the world. I just want to keep doing things that are relevant. That’s why, apart from doing films, being a speaker and a vlogger, I am also a storyteller, a father and a husband. I love reinventing myself, and that’s why the next project I want to work on is called The Reinvention Project.”

He adds, “I want people to know that it is possible to reinvent yourself. Anyone can do it, and it’s needed to feel valued. There’s nothing more powerful than being valued and nothing more disempowering than feeling ki arre yaar mera time chala gaya hai. So, each of the avatars that you see is my willingness to stay relevant and valuable.”

Talking about the importance of social media, he says, “It allows me to express myself in many ways. There are different aspects of me. I am not only an actor or a storyteller, so social media allows me to bring the other things that interest me to the audience. We all have many hidden layers within us—what I call 'hibernating assets' and 'hibernating dreams' — and that is what I explore through my social media. The world needs all of us to celebrate life rather than saying we missed the bus. I tell people, ‘If you missed the bus, no problem, what did you do when you missed the bus? That is important.’”

In a career spanning over three decades, Ashish Vidyarthi, 59, has acted in films across mediums and in around 11 languages. But acting (from Govind Nihalani's Drohkaal to Sudhir Mishra's Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin, to OTT) is just one part of his career; in the last few years, he’s embraced vlogging, motivational speaking, stand-up comedy, and even singing. In a candid conversation, he opens up about how it’s never too late to start something new, his life lessons and how he dealt with the trolling after his second marriage.

Life is an ever-evolving canvas, and I believe in filling it with as many colors as I can. For me, everything starts with a deep sense of curiosity and the desire to express myself in different ways. Acting was my first love, but I soon realized that I could also impact people through other mediums. Whether it's vlogging, motivational speaking, singing or stand-up comedy, all of these allow me to connect with people. There's a philosophy I live by: “Jab tak hai saans, karunga kuch khaas.” Life is too short to be boxed into one identity. I find joy in exploring every aspect of myself, and I want others to feel inspired to do the same.

When Rupali (Barua) and I got married, we were subjected to a lot of trolling. It was hurtful, no doubt. But I’ve learned that people’s opinions don’t define my life. What matters is living authentically. Society can be intimidating, but ultimately, you have to choose whether to live by its expectations or chart your own path. Rupali and I have embraced our journey together, and it’s been a beautiful one. She’s brought immense joy and stability into my life, and together, we’ve built a partnership that thrives on mutual respect and adventure.

Stand-up comedy was an unexpected turn in my life. It started as a way to process and laugh at some of life’s more challenging moments, including the trolling I faced after my second marriage. Instead of letting negativity weigh me down, I turned it into content for my show. Comedy, like music, is a form of catharsis for me. It allows me to connect with people on a more personal level, sharing stories and laughter.

Music has always been close to my heart. Though I’m not a trained singer, I’ve never let that stop me. Sukoon Hai is an extension of my belief that you don’t need to be perfect to express yourself. The song reflects the little moments of peace and joy in life. Music has a unique way of transcending boundaries. Playing the handpan has been a meditative experience for me. It allows me to stay present, immersing myself in the moment. With Sukoon Hai and my handpan sessions, I’ve discovered a new form of storytelling. It’s not about technical perfection but about sharing a piece of my soul. And when people resonate with it, that’s the real magic. Even amidst a packed schedule, I carve out moments for Riyaz or writing. It’s not about how much time you have but how you choose to use it.

Don’t let fear or societal expectations hold you back. People will always have something to say, but it’s your life. Chase your dreams with all your heart. Remember, it’s never too late to start something new. Whether you’re 20 or 60, every moment is an opportunity to create something special.

Acting has been the backbone of my career. I’ve had the privilege of working in 11 languages, which has been an enriching experience. Each role has taught me something new. But I’m always looking ahead. There’s so much more to do. I have some exciting projects lined up, including a few I can’t talk about just yet. The journey continues, and I’m eager to explore new horizons.