‘Don’t chase glamour without knowing the why’: BAIDA actor Shobhit Sujay talks career clarity with Mumbai Media Students

New Delhi | 8 May 2025

Shobhit Sujay, actor of the sci-fi supernatural thriller BAIDA and a former senior journalist, offered candid advice to aspiring media professionals during an interactive session with students of the School of Broadcasting and Communication in Mumbai.

Known for his heartfelt portrayal of ‘Golu’, a village boy caught in otherworldly events in BAIDA, Sujay connected with students on the dilemmas they face while choosing careers in media, journalism, and film. “Don’t chase glamour without knowing your ‘why’,” he cautioned. “It’s easy to be attracted to the spotlight, but it’s the purpose that sustains you through the struggles.”

The session, part of the school’s initiative to bridge classroom learning with real-world insight, addressed concerns many students have—whether about switching career paths, dealing with uncertainty, or coping with the pressure of success.

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Shobhit Sujay, who transitioned into acting after nearly two decades in Indian newsrooms, compared career choices to selecting a vehicle. “We don’t pick a car only because it runs on petrol, diesel, or CNG. Similarly, career decisions shouldn’t be based solely on what looks appealing from the outside,” he explained. “Ask yourself: Why do I want to do this?”

Astha Puri, Academic Head at the School, emphasized the value of these sessions. “Our philosophy is ‘Education for Evolution’. Shobhit’s journey from journalist to actor gives students a rare perspective rooted in both media and performance,” she said. “Learning from experience is just as vital as learning from books.”

Students asked Sujay a range of questions—from the unpredictable financial realities of the industry to building a niche in fashion PR. In response, he stressed the importance of commitment. “If you don’t love acting, you won’t survive the endless auditions. If you pick journalism just to be seen on screen, the grind behind the camera will exhaust you,” he said.

Sujay made his Bollywood debut in BAIDA in March, contributing both in front of the camera and behind it as an assistant director. Before that, he earned recognition for his performances in the horror-comedy Chai Patti, the short film Chinta Mani, and the investigative web series Detective Boomrah.