Shravan Mehta
Shravan Mehta

You already know Student of the Year is going to be quite the launch vehicle, with three young actors – Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Siddharth Malhotra – using the film to find their footing in Bollywood. But beyond these three leads, Student of the Year will also be featuring several other newcomers and young actors – one such person is Shravan Mehta, who plays a part of the “Rich Gang” in the film. We caught up with him to find out how he got the role, what it was like working with Karan Johar, and an interesting incident that happened on sets (let me just say, it seems that Varun is as naughty as he looks). Read on to find out what he said!

Shravan Mehta and the Rich Gang
Shravan Mehta and the Rich Gang

Tell us a little about the work you’ve done in the past.

Well, I have always been hardcore into dancing and was in Shiamak Davar’s special potential batch. Later I realized I want to act and yes post then there was no looking back. I have done several episodic serials like Gumraah on Channel V. I recently shot for a commercial with Ali Zafar for a mobile brand. I was also a part of reality show called Zara Nach Ke Dikha as a wild card entry.

Ali Zafar and Shravan Mehta
Ali Zafar and Shravan Mehta

How did you bag your role in Student of the Year?

As I had already taken my 1st step in the industry by doing some shows on TV, I was well versed with few people, as networking helps. So from a friend I got to know that auditions were being conducted for Dharma Productions’ Student of the Year, and I was super excited. I went there and gave my best shot and got selected. There were several rounds of audition; it wasn’t a cakewalk. But thank God I became a part of such a big film.

Shravan Mehta
Shravan Mehta

What was it like working with such a young team?

Well, it was more of a fun trip than work. We all happened to be of the same age group and hence we all shared common things as there was no age barrier. I knew Varun from the start since he was in Shiamak, so when I met him on the set of SOTY we recollected our old dancing days and how we never thought we would do a film together, and above all a Dharma Productions’ film.

Shravan Mehta
Shravan Mehta

Can you share one funny/interesting incident that happened on sets?

Well, yaa. Let me tell you this funny incident. Varun is the funniest guy and a prankster. This incident took place in Bangkok; we were shooting a swimming sequence. When the shoot was over, we all were sitting across the pool, when suddenly Varun came from behind, picked me up and threw me in the pool. It was so sudden that I had this weird expression on my face, which we all still recollect and laugh about.

Varun Dhawan and Shravan Mehta
Varun Dhawan and Shravan Mehta

How does it feel to be directed by Karan Johar?

I can only say one thing about Karan sir, and that is he is fabulous, not only as a director, but as a person also. Loved the way he used to guide every one of us on the set. He himself has a spark and is full of energy. I simply love him. I am lucky and thankful as I got such a great opportunity to work with him. I really wish to work with him again, but this time as a lead.

Rishi Kapoor and Shravan Mehta
Rishi Kapoor and Shravan Mehta

Name one lesson you learned from this film.

I take a whole lot of new experiences with me. I have learnt a film takes a lot more than what we as an audience perceive in just 3 hours. There is a lot of hard work in the process.

Ronit Roy and Shravan Mehta
Ronit Roy and Shravan Mehta

Have you seen the final cut of the film yet? What do you think?

Well no, I haven’t seen the final cut yet. Will be seeing it on the 18th. I am sure the film is a hit. Varun, Siddharth and Aalia have put in lots of efforts, and it’s Karan sir’s direction, so has to be a perfect combo.

Shravan Mehta and Ram Kapoor
Shravan Mehta and Ram Kapoor

Who’s your personal favourite Bollywood actor and actress?

My most favourite actor is my idol Hrithik Roshan, and in actress it is Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor, now Kareena Kapoor Khan.