Yeh Hai Chahatein Actor Manas Shah Opens Up About His Private Life, Career Journey and Living Life Without Regrets
Highlights
- Manas Shah says very few people know him beyond his on-screen image.
- The actor reveals he has never consumed alcohol, smoked cigarettes, or tried hookah.
- He says the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged him to embrace risks and live in the present.
- Manas Shah has expanded into production, writing, entrepreneurship, motivational speaking, and venture capital.
- He founded Manas Vin Entertainment and also wrote dialogues for the film Satti Par Satto.
- The actor believes the entertainment sector deserves greater professional recognition.
- Manas Shah describes himself as a “Soulful Storyteller” and “Amdavadi Alpha.”
Very Few People Know the Real Manas Shah
Yeh Hai Chahatein actor Manas Shah believes that very few people actually know him beyond what he has shown on screen, largely because he has kept his personal life away from the public eye.
He said, “Honestly, I have never made my life this public. Even when I bought my new Audi, I did not post about it or share that happiness with people. So yes, apart from my family and close friends, nobody really knows Manas Shah.”
Manas Shah went on to describe the emotional depth he feels exists within him, something he believes mirrors the very craft he practices. “If people want to know the real me, I’d say that just as acting is rooted in the nine emotions, every emotion I’ve experienced has played a part in shaping who I am today, I too have every kind of emotion within me. The people who are close to me know that I am emotional, that I am often very happy, and that I am genuinely high on life.”
Speaking about his own choices and how he chooses to experience life, Manas Shah said, “As I always say, in my entire life, forget alcohol and cigarettes; I have never even tried hookah. I am truly high on life, and I am celebrating the journey of living. That is the reality; many people do not really know me yet, but I think they would be amazed when they do, and if they spend some time with me, they will definitely become fond of me.”
Why COVID Changed His Perspective on Life
On whether this is a phase of taking more risks, Manas Shah was unequivocal, tracing this shift in mindset back to a moment of collective realisation. He said, ‘Absolutely, I am taking risks now. We only get one life. After COVID, it felt like a new birth, a phase where all of us realised that we can think differently about life and live today. Undoubtedly, you should plan for the future, but don’t dwell on it.”
He continued by reflecting on what living fully actually means to him. Manas Shah said, “Life is a journey, and if you don’t celebrate that journey, then what is the point? Time, your body, and your age will never come back, and that is why I believe in living fully.”
Quoting one of his inspirations, he added, “As Raj Kapoor once said, ‘Jeena yahan, marna yahan, iske siwa jaana kahan?’ That’s the philosophy I live by”
Beyond Acting: Producer, Writer, Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist
“Many people encouraged me to explore a different career path or venture into another business. But why should I? Everything I have earned till today has come from this industry, so whatever I do will remain connected to this industry,” Manas Shah added.
He listed out just how far he has expanded his role within that same industry. Manas Shah said, “That is why I started a production house, Manas Vin Entertainment, launched my YouTube channel, became active on social media, and even ventured into writing. In fact, there was a film released in 2018, Satti Par Satto, which is available on Amazon Prime. I wrote the dialogues as well, and I continue to do a lot of writing work. So today, I am a producer, project designer, motivational speaker, venture capitalist, and actor; I am doing everything. I want to do it all.”
Calling for Greater Recognition of the Entertainment Industry
“Our profession has yet to receive official recognition as an industry. People may call it an industry, but it still isn’t officially recognised as one. We build projects together as self-employed professionals and then continue our journeys as freelancers. I’ve watched many talented artists feel restricted when they want to innovate or pursue new ideas. I want to change that by creating more opportunities and empowering the people in my industry.
Because people outside the industry think that we are mad people. They don’t have that respect, especially for professionals. We are not considered professionals. So from this point of view, I brought this venture capitalist thought to keep my industry. Whatever my soul is hinting to me from within, I am pursuing it. All the exciting things lie outside the comfort zone, and I am loving every bit of it,” Manas Shah added.
Asked what he would title the next chapter of his career, Manas Shah first spoke about the kind of work he feels most connected to. He said, “As an actor, I believe in approaching every project with professionalism, sincerity, and respect for the craft as well as the people I work with. I am the kind of person who connects with the family-oriented shows and films that used to be made. I am a Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Hum Saath Saath Hain kind of person. Somewhere along the way, I feel that the moment we started moving away from these values and themes, the downfall began.”
A Soulful Storyteller at Heart
Manas Shah then shared the titles he feels best capture who he is, many of them given to him by his own fans. He said, “If I had to describe myself in a few words, I’d call myself a ‘Soulful Storyteller,’ a ‘Sukoon Ke Safar Ka Saathi,’ and an ‘Amdavadi Alpha‘, each title reflects a different facet of who I am.”My fans have given me these names. They also say, Gujju: Beast Mode ON and Gujju: Swag ON. So yes, there are many such titles associated with me. But at the end of the day, Janam se Gujarati aur Dil se sabka Saathi. That is the simple logic I live by.”
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