Exclusive: Rohman Shawl on his acting career and friendship with Sushmita Sen; says he likes spending time with her
Leaving behind his established modelling career in Delhi, Rohman Shawl came to Mumbai to explore other avenues. The actor, who was once dating Sushmita Sen and continues to be her close friend, talks about how he made the shift from the runway to cinema and the impact Sushmita has had on his life.
Mar 22, 2025, 23:44 IST
Playing an antagonist is a feeling every actor should experience’
After acting in a few short films, Rohman bagged the role of one of the antagonists in the film Amaran. The actor said, “Playing an antagonist is a feeling every actor should experience. I wanted people to hate me for my role, and they did, so I guess I did something right and it felt like an accomplishment. It was such a dark role that it was changing me as a person. With this film, I learnt that as an actor one needs to learn when to break away from the character.”
Model-turned-actor Rohman Shawl has been making headlines with his transition from modeling to acting and his enduring friendship with Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen. In recent interviews, he opened up about his career shift and the nature of his relationship with Sen.
Transitioning from Modeling to Acting
Rohman Shawl, who initially made a name for himself in the modeling industry, has ventured into acting with his debut in the Tamil film "Amaran." Reflecting on this career shift, Shawl admitted that he had never envisioned himself as an actor. However, the allure of exploring new creative avenues led him to embrace acting. He expressed that portraying an antagonist in his debut film was a unique experience, stating, "Playing an antagonist is a feeling every actor should experience."
Bond with Sushmita Sen
Shawl's personal life, particularly his relationship with Sushmita Sen, has been a topic of public interest. The duo, who were once romantically linked, continue to share a close bond. Addressing their enduring friendship, Shawl acknowledged that maintaining such a relationship with an ex-partner isn't always straightforward. He attributed their successful friendship to mutual understanding and respect, emphasizing that they have been friends for over six years and continue to cherish their bond.
Public Appearances and Speculations
The frequent public appearances of Shawl and Sen together have fueled speculations about their relationship status. Clarifying these rumors, Shawl mentioned that while he is currently single, his continued association with Sen often leads to assumptions about their relationship. He candidly stated, "I am single right now, but people think that I am still with her."
Influence of Sushmita Sen on Shawl's Personal Growth
Beyond their personal relationship, Shawl credits Sen for influencing his personal growth. He revealed that he learned the concept of self-love from her, a lesson that has significantly impacted his outlook on life. This newfound perspective has not only enriched his personal life but also his professional journey as he navigates the challenges of the acting industry.
In summary, Rohman Shawl's journey from modeling to acting is marked by his willingness to embrace new challenges and his ability to maintain meaningful personal relationships. His friendship with Sushmita Sen continues to be a source of mutual respect and personal growth, reflecting the depth of their bond beyond romantic affiliations.