With a mellow lilt in his voice and a certain ease, that can only come with being self-assured, Dinesh Mohan speaks candidly about himself. There is a sort of simplicity in the way he describes his experiences and opinions. Perhaps, it is a simplicity born out of the approach he takes in his life or maybe it is just a desire to be straightforward. Whatever the case may be, it is refreshing to hear him walk you through the circumstances and the experiences he has had so far.
Spending his childhood in the unrelenting summers of Rohtak, Mohan grew up in a conventional Indian family, whiling away the time painting, reading and taking trips with his parents. It is interesting to see how he took his first step in the modelling industry. At a certain point, he decided to engage with his life in a manner that was more wholesome and beneficial to his own well-being. What followed was a major transformation, one that was, decidedly, for himself and his own happiness. What he did not realize was that everyone around him had noticed the change in him. A neighbour, impressed with his renewed appearance, posted a photograph of him online. It was then that the offers from modelling agencies flew in.
His first assignment was from a modelling agency in Delhi for a still photograph campaign. Initially nervous about it, Mohan was pleasantly surprised at the ease with which he grew into it. Faced with flashing lights and all eyes being on him, he found, in himself, a quiet confidence and reassurance. It was then that he realized that this just might be something he could pursue seriously. Later, after a successful taste of what the modelling industry had to offer, he, upon the suggestion of an acquaintance, decided to branch out to acting, beginning, yet, another chapter in his life.
Even so, his journey, so far, has not been one without doubts. At the beginning, excited after his first assignment, when Mohan wanted to share the news with those around him, concerns were raised about his age and the fickle nature of the industry he was diving into. However, for him, this whole journey has not been about proving anything to anybody else. This was, completely, for him and about taking the opportunities that presented themselves to him. This same thought, of seizing opportunities, is one that he practices in his habits and his life. From approaching fitness, in a manner that is holistic and emphasizes a focus on mental well-being, to diving headfirst into the challenges that presented themselves in his line of work, Mohan realizes the importance of taking chances and embracing them completely. Fun fact, at times he dances and jumps around wildly to get himself warmed up before training.
“The biggest gym that exists is in your mind.”
Dinesh Mohan
There is little Mohan won’t try but he will try them in his own way. In his words, you sense a personal drive. Modelling and acting are a part of his life, not the entirety of it. There is a professional drive, of course, a desire to work and perfect himself in his own craft. However, there is the undeniable feeling that his professional aspirations are intrinsically tied to his personal drive to just live his life better each day, embracing and enjoying it wholly. Indeed, he considers his weight loss a turning point in his life, a big leap of faith that has led to other positive changes in his life.
“I was standing at the edge of a hill, blindfolded, and I decided to jump. And, I guess I landed in the right place.”
Dinesh Mohan
Consequently, he puts a lot of emphasis on constantly working and polishing latent skills and abilities. That is a general truth, he says, about human life. From a personal example, he relates that idea to his acting career. Recognizing one’s own shortcomings and constantly evolving in one’s endeavours is critical to becoming better progressively. With this thought, he urges anybody pursuing their dreams to seize opportunities, regardless of how outlandish things may seem initially. Mulling things over, second guessing presented opportunities constantly would not be conducive in the larger scheme of things. After all, it is upon one’s own hands that the opportunity lies. And, Dinesh Mohan has firmly grasped the ones in his.
