Impression and Impact
Anecdotes and Experiences with Parikshit Tamaliya
Life is unpredictable, and the paths we take often lead us to unexpected destinations. For me, a series of random events landed me in Gujarat, Gandhinagar. My career has always been a mix and I sailed in several waters. Eventually, I knew I had to find my focus. That’s when I decided to enroll in a filmmaking course at Limelight Pictures Film School in Bopal, Ahmedabad. My aim was straightforward: to learn filmmaking so I could direct at least one short film.
After completing the course, I somehow managed to create a zero-budget short film titled The Book. The title, like the story, might seem irrelevant, but the experience was anything but. Working with Prachi, Nadim, and Neal, who performed admirably, and Krishna and Dhruv, who offered their full cooperation, all of us contributed our efforts wholeheartedly.
Six months later, we all got the opportunity to work in Limelight Studio’s film Saatam Aatam, directed by Shital Shah. It was a period of tight schedules, intense shooting, valuable learning experiences, and excellent filmmaking. The most impactful aspect for me, and the focus of this article, was working with Parikshit Tamaliya, who played the lead role in the film.
During the shoot, I witnessed Parikshit’s tenacity and calm resolve to become a film star. As a budding artist, he was hardworking and sincere. In those brief interactions, I discovered that Parikshit had originally come to Ahmedabad with dreams of becoming a cricketer. But life had other plans for him, leading him to flourish as an actor. On the fifth day of shooting at Lakha Patel Ni Pol, he expressed a sentiment that he stated: “Now I can become anyone I want.”
Despite being younger than me, Parikshit’s composure and clear sense of purpose left a strong impression. The film industry is fiercely competitive, with everyone eager to grab every opportunity that comes their way. I tried to reach out to Parikshit once after Saatam Aatam, but there was a minor mix-up—he mistook me for a consultant calling about an audition, likely due to a confusion with the contact name saved on his phone.
After that, I didn’t try again. However, I still recall some fond memories and compliments he gave me regarding a few improvisations we worked on during the Saatam Aatam shoot. One was about smoking on camera—since Parikshit doesn’t smoke, it was clear he was faking it, and on the big screen, it was noticeable, affecting the impact of the scene. We discussed it privately, and in the final take, he nailed it perfectly. There were also scenes where his portrayal of recklessness needed more intensity. His ability to adapt quickly and refine his performance, even in those small moments, was impressive. He took those inputs positively and with respect, and it clearly reflects in the perfection on screen. His keen presence of mind truly elevated the dynamics of each scene. There are a few more such instances, we privately discussed and figured out for improvisations in fight sequences etc.
This was one of the last days of the shoot- scene on the sets of Saatam Aatam that left a lasting impression on me. The conviction he had that day was undeniable. I stood there behind the camera, watching him, and even silently sobbed along with him during the scene.
By the way, it was done in a single take, and the take was an instantaneous OK. A star was born on this day for Indian Cinema.
Before Saatam Aatam was released, we were invited to the preview. I had the opportunity to meet Parikshit again at Limelight Studio and gifted him a copy of my book Unfailing. Over the years, I watched him evolve, not just as an actor but also as an athlete. His transformation from a stout, chubby boy to a six-pack bodybuilder is just extraordinary. He’s an inspiration to everyone across India, especially the Gujju guys.
To the best of my knowledge and from that month-long acquaintance, Parikshit is what I would call a 100% director’s actor—someone willing to adapt, mold, and refine his craft to meet the demands of his role. His journey from an aspiring cricketer to a rising star in the film industry is a story of perseverance and passion. He has the potential to become a PAN India star, much like Allu Arjun from the Telugu cinema. But while Allu Arjun didn’t have to struggle for opportunities, Parikshit is a self-made star.
As he continues to rise, I hope he remembers his Saatam Aatam mates and the journey that brought him to where he is today. I’m proud to say that Parikshit is my favourite actor, and I look forward to seeing where his talent takes him. Working with such talented individuals—Denisha, Shital, Rajan—on Saatam Aatam was a privilege, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
