By Ojasya Soham Ulfat
Meeting great artists is always a rare experience, but meeting those who also carry immense wisdom and humility leaves an everlasting impression. Ashutosh Rana is one such personality, an actor of extraordinary depth, known for his powerful performances on screen, stage, and public platforms. For me, Ojasya Soham Ulfat, an 18-year-old aspiring actor, the chance to meet him in person was not just a memorable encounter but a turning point filled with guidance, inspiration, and reflection.
I had the rare privilege of meeting the legendary actor and thinker, Ashutosh Rana. It was 10 p.m. when my father, Alok Ulfat, his long-time friend, received word that he was staying at the Hyatt Regency. Despite his early morning flight, Ashutosh ji graciously invited us and soon we were with him.
This meeting was all the more special because my father, Alok Ulfat, and Ashutosh Rana ji share a very old and deep bond that goes back to their days at the National School of Drama (NSD). Their friendship, forged in the rigorous and inspiring environment of theatre and films, has stood the test of time. Seeing the warmth with which they greeted each other reminded me that art is not only about performance but also about lasting human connections. The respect and affection they shared set the tone for our conversation, and I felt privileged to be a part of it.
For me, as an aspiring actor, the opportunity was nothing short of extraordinary. Within minutes of our discussion, I realised that Ashutosh ji is not just an astounding actor but also a lighthouse of wisdom and transformation. His presence radiates culture, depth, and artistic vision, making every word he shared a lesson worth carrying for life.
One of the most profound pieces of wisdom he offered was about memory and growth. He advised that all good things should be forgotten so that you feel inspired to do them again, while all bad things should be remembered so that you never repeat them. This simple yet powerful philosophy touched me deeply, for it not only applies to art but also to life itself.
Our conversation soon turned to the theme of art and culture. Ashutosh ji emphasised the importance of nurturing India’s rich artistic heritage instead of being swept away by mere urbanisation. He reminded us that true progress lies in preserving and developing our cultural roots, for they are what make us unique as a festive nation and a variety of artists.
At one point, he spoke about the importance of reading, and that advice resonated with me as I have begun my own journey into studying Hindi literature and yoga books. He urged me to stay away from e-books and instead build a relationship with physical books. A hard copy, he explained, carries weight, smell, and texture elements that anchor the reader’s mind and foster a real connection. By contrast, e-books and screen learning can easily be interrupted by notifications, calls, and distractions, breaking one’s concentration and diluting the reading experience. This guidance felt especially meaningful, as scriptures deserve the depth and respect that only undistracted reading can provide.
I was filled with curiosity – this meeting was enlightening. It opened my eyes to the discipline of an actor, philosophy, and cultural depth that an artist must cultivate. This is my first article for Garhwal Post newspaper, a publication that brings people together.
Ashutosh Rana ji was in Dehradun to attend Times of India Dialogues, Uttarakhand, and spoke alongside Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. He shared his views on development with us and strongly felt that we need to focus on building cultural and environmentally friendly societies. He said massive infrastructures are not what we are looking forward to, but communities built by strong relationships and compassionate qualities. Nature and life around it cannot be compromised by urbanisation. Uttarakhand should become a place of transformation, ‘Parivartan’, and not just tourism, ‘Paryatan’. The inner journey and Dev Bhoomi are interconnected.
Meeting Ashutosh Rana has left with me a deep impression of a very committed human being who is dedicated towards India and its values. I feel blessed and this meeting will continue to inspire and guide me on my journey as an actor and as a seeker of wisdom. Ashutosh Rana, is a renowned Indian actor, producer, author, and philanthropist, known for his versatile roles in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada cinema, as well as television. He studied at the National School of Drama and gained fame for his many powerful performances on stage and screen. Ashutosh Rana’s latest major theatrical role is as Ravan in the play, “Humare Ram”, a large-scale production has been performed over 200 times across India. He continues to mesmerise the audience with his powerful presence, grand voice and speech and expressive eyes.
(Ojasya Soham Ulfat is an actor, published author and aspiring musician.)
