Mahesh Shetty’s journey into acting began with his love for theatre and modeling during his college years, despite initially being an introvert and a restaurateur by legacy. Encouraged by friends like Mushtaq Sheikh and Ekta Kapoor, Shetty discovered his passion for acting, which helped him overcome his introverted nature. Inspired by industry legends such as Naseeruddin Shah, Balraj Sahni, and the relentless aspiring actors at Aaram Nagar, Shetty pours his heart into every role, connecting emotionally by deeply imagining and internalizing his characters.

He acknowledges the evolving emotional expression in men, emphasizing that it is now more accepted for men to share emotions and responsibilities. However, Shetty struggles with industry networking due to his introverted nature, preferring to build genuine relationships rather than engaging in superficial socializing. Despite these challenges, he dreams of working with the best in the industry, choosing dreams over rigid goals to avoid stress in an unpredictable field.

Maintaining physical fitness through running, swimming, and callisthenics, Shetty credits good genetics but ensures a balanced lifestyle. He enjoys simple, nutritious breakfasts and a varied diet, though he admits to being passionate about food. For mental health, he relies on a strong support system of family and friends, which helps him navigate the demanding nature of the entertainment industry.

Balancing professional and personal life is challenging, but his partner Anisha, also an actor, provides mutual understanding. Outside of acting, Shetty enjoys traveling, long drives, and reading, advising aspiring actors to stay grounded and persistent in their dreams. Read his heart to heart talk with BFH team