Amit Behl: Rejected by Art & Commercial Cinema in One Day!

Actor Amit Behl's upcoming film, September 21, will be showcased at the Marché du Film during the 79th Cannes Film Festival in 2026. This event coincides with Behl's 25th anniversary as a film actor, a milestone he's celebrating after a career spanning 32 years in the industry. His journey into films wasn't immediate, as his debut NFDC film, Kuch Dil Ne Kaha, never received a release.

Behl recounted a pivotal moment early in his career when he was simultaneously rejected by both art and commercial cinema. Director Govind Nihalani deemed him too commercial, while David Dhawan stated he only worked with established stars. This dual rejection led Behl to consider returning to theater in Delhi.

However, a chance encounter with friends Anurag Kashyap and Rajesh Jais led him to an audition for the television series 'Shanti.' Initially offered a four-episode role, Behl's part was extended to an astonishing 780 episodes, earning him multiple awards and significantly shaping his career trajectory. This extensive television work kept him occupied, and he later returned to films, working with directors like David Dhawan and in notable projects such as LOC Kargil and The Kashmir Files.