Shubham Maheshwari didn’t have an agent. He didn’t have any on-screen credits. He was still in college, studying economics, when he found a casting call on Backstage that would change everything.
“I figured I had nothing to lose, so I submitted,” he said. “Looking back, I think that mindset actually helped throughout the audition process. It freed me up, allowed me to relax, and connect more honestly with the material, without overthinking so much. I wasn’t carrying the pressure of ‘this has to work out,’ and that may have given me the confidence to make bolder choices. That freedom, I believe, made a huge difference.”
On June 18, Maheshwari makes his screen debut as Gat Patil in “We Were Liars”, the highly anticipated Prime Video adaptation of E. Lockhart’s best-selling YA thriller. He joins Emily Alyn Lind, Esther McGregor, and Joseph Zada as part of the show’s core cast in the eight-episode series.
Not your average econ major
When Maheshwari first saw the role, he had not yet read the book.
“Reading their brief character description of Gat, I immediately knew this was something I would apply for, but that was about it—I did not think or expect anything,” he explained. “I then immediately read the book and fell in love with this incredible story.”
The submission process started like many others, with a headshot and a self-tape.
He was soon juggling multiple audition rounds with his college coursework, including one callback that clashed with a crucial midterm.
“I may have asked them to reschedule a callback because I had an Econ midterm on the same day,” he remembered. “Looking back, it makes me laugh—who do I think I am?”
But they were willing to wait for him. “Everyone working on the show was nothing but kind and understanding.”
And each round brought him closer to Gat.
Imposter syndrome, meet Nova Scotia
After landing the role, new kinds of nerves crept in.
He remembers flying to Nova Scotia, half-convinced—and more than half-terrified—the showrunners might realize they'd made a mistake. “They have never seen me in person. What if they change their minds?” he recalled thinking.
But being among the cast, producers, and director helped those fears fade away. “Everyone was so kind and welcoming. That made all the difference.”
Once production began, he committed himself to learning as much as he could from those around him.
“Being on set with such talented people felt like being in film school, but getting paid for it!” he said. “I learned so much just by watching everyone work. And because everyone was so approachable, I felt comfortable asking questions and soaking up as much as I could.”
Finding his start on Backstage
Maheshwari first heard about Backstage from a film major friend who knew he was interested in acting.
“I knew there were other platforms out there, but Backstage certainly stood out,” he said. “I landed a student film audition right after signing up and had the best time. It connected me with other young, aspiring filmmakers who were figuring things out just like I was.”
Backstage offered more than a place to earn early credits, it gave him space to take risks and fail safely. “I’m really grateful to Backstage, it was the perfect place to begin my journey as an actor.”
What it feels like to land your first role
“It still feels surreal. It feels like a dream,” he confessed. “My family and friends could not have been more excited. I am incredibly grateful for the people around me.”
While day-to-day life hasn’t changed much, getting a glimpse of what’s possible has made him more focused than ever
“I still am the same person, with the same incredible people around me,” he said. “I am just a lot more driven now. Getting a taste of what it’s like to be on set made it clear to me: this really is the best job in the world.”
Choosing acting
Maheshwari plans to pursue acting full-time and will be looking for representation after the show premieres.
“Even though I did go ahead and get my econ degree, I am (hopefully) never going to use it,” he said. “I know that I want to fully devote myself to this craft and see what I can pull from it.”
“The dream, very simply put, is to be part of stories and narratives that interest and move me, and help bring them to life, just the way I, as an audience member, was moved by shows, films, and performances,” he said.
“It is an exciting and unpredictable place to be in at the moment, but I am ready.”
Advice for others starting out
Maheshwari is quick to insist he’s still new to all this, but he has a message for anyone browsing casting calls today.
“I still have so much to learn, so I’m not sure I’m in a place to give advice just yet. I’m still young, eager, figuring things out and very much taking advice myself!” he said.
“But if I had to share something from my own experience, it’s that we can’t control when opportunities come our way, but we can control how prepared we are when they arrive. Focus on the craft, keep improving, be patient, and stay ready—so that when a chance does come along, you’re able to knock it out of the park.”
Watch “We Were Liars”
Maheshwari stars as Gat Patil in the adaptation of E. Lockhart’s bestselling YA novel, a gripping thriller about family, memory, and what we’re willing to hide to protect the ones we love. All eight episodes available to stream starting June 18 on Prime Video.
The series is produced by Universal Television and Amazon MGM Studios.
Read on: