Meet Jai Singh, a Kolkata-born actor, model, and emcee who took a leap of faith and moved to Mumbai right before the pandemic in 2020. While things were gloomy, for Jai, his inner faith and talent kept him grounded, and he had enough on his plate. Apart from daily soaps, at present, he is also busy with a project for Amazon Prime and a crime thriller for Disney Hotstar. He is also shooting 
for a short film down south, where he will be playing son to the legendary Mohan Agashe. As a versatile artist, he makes the best of every platform. In a quick chat with TMM, Jai talks about his journey and his plans.
In Kolkata, every individual is connected with some art form. What made you choose acting and performing art (drama) as your forte and profession?
Well, I think the question itself reflects the answer! Bengal, indeed, has a very rich cultural heritage. My mother has been a school teacher for 51 years and my sister is a teacher too, and both have always been keenly involved in the extra-curricular aspect of education. So, you could say that my childhood in Kolkata was full of cultural events. I guess performing art (theatre and drama) came to me organically. I took happily to the stage at every given opportunity. I’ve anchored many TV and stage shows and did theatre for a good while. I first took acting lessons from the famous director Dinen Gupto, and also made my theatre debut with his play ‘Baadi Bodol’. I also shared the stage with the legendary Soumitra Chatterjee for the play ‘Swapner Pakhi Gulo’, and did a film for Zee5 called ‘Satyameva Jayate’ with Arindam Seal. I, then, combined my love of the stage and teaching by starting my art academy, Applaud, where I conceptualized, taught, choreographed, and produced elaborate shows for children.
You worked in the Bengali industry for a long period and even established your performing arts academy. Why and when you made a shift to Mumbai and is the academy still functional?
I made a shift at the age of 38. I took a big leap of faith and then the pandemic spoiled all my calculations. But I have been very optimistic all my life. I kept myself strong and here I am. I started my TV career with Ekta Kapoor (ma’am) and Balaji Telefilms and did my second show with Gul ma’am and Four Lions. Also, I feel extremely blessed as two big projects are on the floor, which I will be announcing soon. Like many others, I have converted into an online academy as far as my academy is concerned.
Once Sharmila Tagore complimented you with Satyajit Ray’s name. Share the context.
Sharmila Tagore (ji) was the guest of honour at a program that I was part of, and she said that such versatility reminded her of Satyajit Ray! While we were on stage, she found out that everything – right from script, choreography, costumes, hair, and make-up, was designed by me – she gave me this huge compliment and I had happy tears at that moment. She might have been making a humorous exaggeration, but it was truly the greatest compliment of my life.
You speak 7 languages and can sing and dance too. How far versatility has helped you in the acting industry?
It has helped me and how. When you have more than the obvious, you have an edge over others. It has allowed me to do projects in many languages, while dancing has kept me fit and agile. Singing has given me a good command over my voice, which has helped me host events and shows.
You were recently very active with COVID-19 relief work. Tell us about the initiative and what difference it has made till now?
The fundraiser was organized by The Sikh Chamber of Commerce. I was hosting the event and it was conceived and conceptualized by my friend Samir Singh and me. The funds raised were used at the right places for the right people by the chamber and it gave us a feeling of relief that we could do something in these difficult times.
What do you find more interesting-television, cinema, theatre, or OTT, and why?
I love acting, and all these mediums give me different ways to perform and grow. So I love them all.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I see myself as a mature individual, growing as an actor while doing varied roles. I also see myself hosting shows, as that is one of my strengths. I also plan to write and direct eventually.
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