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“Find the fun, even in the tough times—that’s what keeps me going!” |
When I first came to Mumbai, the journey was challenging—at least from the outside. I was living in a small 1RK apartment converted into a 1BHK with six people, including myself. But honestly, I didn’t mind because my focus was crystal clear: acting. I spent my days going for auditions, often facing rejections after traveling on two buses. Back then, even managing to give one audition in a day felt like an accomplishment.
I started volunteering with Mr. Atul Kumar’s team without any certainty of being included. My role initially involved production work—handling backstage tasks, arranging food for senior actors, and helping wherever I could. Eventually, he noticed my dedication and included me in a series of 15 shows called Trivial Disasters. While I worked on production, I also got small parts in the play. That experience taught me a lot.
In 2015, financial difficulties led me to casting. I worked as a casting assistant and associate on films like Secret Superstar and Rock On 2. It wasn’t my passion, but it gave me perspective. Then in 2016, while working on a production project, Akarsh Khurana saw me. He needed an actor for his play Dhumrapaan after a senior actor backed out. He told me, “You look good, and I’ll sort out the acting part.” He gave me a chance, and that play opened at Prithvi Festival 2016. It was a hit and is still close to my heart.
From there, Akarsh cast me in his first film High Jack. Though the film didn’t perform well, it was an important step for me. Later, I had small roles in Karwaan and Bhangra Paa Le. The latter was especially fun to shoot, but it didn’t fare well either. Still, I kept at it, balancing theater and production work. My call times were often much earlier than other actors because I was part of the production team. It was exhausting but worth it, as I loved working with AKvarious Productions.
During the first wave of COVID, I signed Rashmi Rocket, which did well on OTT platforms. Then came Netflix’s Mismatched. For the first season, I was both an actor and an assistant director. Balancing those two roles was tough, but I took it on for Akarsh, who I deeply admire. In the second and third seasons, I focused solely on acting, which was a relief.
Throughout this journey, I’ve felt a constant sense of gratitude. There’s always been this hunger for more and the belief that I can do better with bigger opportunities. The journey has had its ups and downs, but those experiences have shaped me as an artist and as a person.
What inspired me to pursue this path?
I’ve always been drawn to art and creativity. During high school, I felt a strong calling to explore something in this field, though I wasn’t sure if it would be acting. Initially, I ventured into fashion and later studied BBA and MBA. But acting kept pulling me back. Eventually, I told my dad that I wanted to be an actor, and since then, there’s been no looking back.
2. How has your extensive experience in theatre influenced your craft and approach to acting across different mediums?
To be honest, theatre started as an arranged marriage for me. During my BBA days, I came across a film shoot happening at a DU college and decided to join as a junior artist in the movie Do Dooni Chaar. While on that set, I learned about theatre groups in Delhi and began exploring them. That exploration led me to perform in over 150 street plays, which not only shaped my early understanding of performance but also helped me form friendships that I cherish to this day.
When I moved to Mumbai, theatre became instrumental in shaping me—not just as an actor, but also as a person. Initially, I loved only the acting part of it, not the production work. There were plenty of nervous moments, especially when waiting for my entry on stage. But those moments were full of positive energy, and I learned to channel that nervousness into my performance. Theatre gave me the confidence to try new things as an actor, which has directly helped me perform better on camera.
The beauty of theatre is that it forces you to live in the moment because it’s live. There are no retakes, and that authenticity translates beautifully to camera work. My focus has always been on living the character rather than simply acting it out, and theatre taught me how to do that. While there are various methods to achieve this, theatre showed me the power of being present.
One memorable experience was when Zee wanted to shoot our play Dhumrapaan for their channel. I was thrilled because it gave me the opportunity to explore the nuances of performing the same script and character on stage and in front of the camera. The transition required subtle adjustments. In theatre, you need to project your voice and emotions to reach the audience at the back of the room. On camera, the performance has to be more restrained but still carry the same intensity. That balance was fascinating to explore.
Theatre also helped me grow by constantly throwing me into the deep end. There were times when I had to replace an actor with only two rehearsals or, in some cases, no rehearsals at all. Those high-pressure situations taught me to adapt quickly and find comfort in discomfort. The unpredictability of theatre honed my instincts and gave me a toolkit of skills that I carry into every medium I work in today.
3. What were the biggest challenges you faced while transitioning from theatre to films and web series?
So far, I haven’t faced too many challenges in transitioning, mainly because I’ve been able to understand and adapt to the differences between the mediums. Thankfully, theatre has also evolved a lot these days, leaning more toward natural and realistic performances. You no longer have to be overly loud or dramatic on stage, which makes the shift to films and web series a bit smoother.
That said, there are moments, especially during auditions, where I feel I could have performed a part more subtly. In front of the camera, even the smallest expressions and gestures are captured, so it’s about fine-tuning your performance for the medium. But I believe learning is a continuous process, and with every project, I discover new things about myself as an actor. There’s always room to grow.
4. Can you walk us through your process for preparing for a role and embodying a character?
My approach to preparing for a role varies depending on the character. I believe the preparation should align with the nature of the role—if it’s a fun character, I try to bring more fun into my life, and if it’s a serious role, I immerse myself in experiences that resonate with that tone. I rely a lot on drawing from real-life experiences. If I haven’t lived something similar to the character, I observe people and their behaviors carefully, paying attention to the smallest details.
For instance, while preparing for Bhangra Paa Le, where my character, Pappi, was a Punjabi DJ, I leaned into my Punjabi roots. I started speaking to my dad in Punjabi to sharpen my command of the language and explored the culture more deeply. I also watched videos of DJs, met people from that profession, and drew from my school days when I had tried DJing myself. All these elements came together to make the character authentic.
In Mismatched, I played a Bihari character, which required a completely different approach. I worked hard on perfecting the accent and even created a unique voice for the character. To get the nuances right, I listened to Bhojpuri songs, watched videos, and had conversations with people from Bihar to understand their speech patterns and mannerisms better.
For Rashmi Rocket, physical preparation was a major focus. I worked rigorously on my fitness and body language to look the part and bring the physicality of the character to life.
Ultimately, my process is about immersing myself in the character’s world—whether through language, culture, or physicality—and doing whatever it takes to make it as believable as possible.
5. Among the directors and co-actors you’ve worked with, is there a particular collaboration that left a lasting impact on you?
One of the most memorable experiences for me was working on my first film, High Jack. I call it my “Platinum Time” because it was such a special period in my life. I made some amazing friends during that shoot, and while not all of them were actors, they’ve had a lasting impact on me. Many of them were from the direction, production, and makeup teams, and we still share a wonderful bond.
Akarsh Khurana has been a particularly significant figure in my journey. I share a deep connection with him, his wife, Dilshad E. Khurana—who was my co-actor in my very first Mumbai theatre play, The Outsider—and his brother, Adhaar Khurana. They’ve been a constant source of support and inspiration.
Another close friend is Mansi Mulherkar, a brilliant makeup artist I met during one of my projects. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to form meaningful friendships on every set I’ve worked on, across all departments. These connections have made my journey all the more enriching, and I’m incredibly grateful for them.
6. What, in your opinion, makes a story or a character truly connect with the audience?
Brutal truth! That’s the key.
I firmly believe that if a story or a character isn’t rooted in complete honesty, it won’t resonate with the audience. As an actor, if I’m not entirely truthful in my performance, I’m not giving my 100%. Authenticity in emotions, intentions, and execution is what draws people in and makes them relate to the story or character. When the truth of a moment is palpable, it bridges the gap between the screen or stage and the audience, creating a genuine connection.
7. How do you find the balance between creative fulfillment and the commercial demands of the entertainment industry?
I think this is a challenge the entire film industry is grappling with right now.
To be honest, I haven’t yet reached a point where I can make significant changes to the commercial aspects of a project. I would love to be in a position to do so, and that’s actually one of the reasons I’ve started writing. I really hope to explore that space and do well there, hopefully having more control over the creative direction.
In terms of creative fulfillment, I find theatre to be a great outlet. The scripts there tend to be bolder and more open, allowing me the freedom to explore characters and stories in a way that’s often harder to do in commercial cinema. So, when I want to fully engage with my creative side, I turn to theatre.
8. What advice would you give to young actors who are just starting out in today’s competitive landscape?
My advice is simple: don’t give up. The journey will always have its ups and downs, even after you achieve success. It’s part of the process.
Stay honest and dedicated to your craft, no matter what stage you’re at. Remember to enjoy the work you do—find the fun in it, even during the challenging times. Passion and perseverance are what keep you going in this highly competitive industry. Keep learning, keep growing, and trust the process.
9. If you could live as one of the characters you’ve played for a day, who would it be and why?
If I had to choose, I’d pick two characters:
First, Deepak from the cineplay Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti. I absolutely loved playing him. He’s this outlandish, extroverted character who brings energy and fun wherever he goes. What made him even more special was his incomplete love story—it had a bittersweet beauty to it. He was loyal to his friends, true to life, and always ready to help. Living as him for a day would be such a vibrant and heartfelt experience.
Second, Nakul from High Jack. Nakul was naive and found himself thrown into situations way over his head. He was just doing his best to get by, which turned out to be hilarious for everyone else. I enjoyed how relatable and endearing his struggles were, and stepping into his shoes again would be both funny and adventurous.
Bio :
I am a versatile actor with extensive experience across films, theatre, and web series. Originally from Gurgaon, I am now based in Mumbai, pursuing my passion for acting in diverse mediums. Fluent in Hindi and English, I enjoy taking on roles that challenge me and allow me to bring authenticity and depth to my performances.
Film Career
Akarsh Khurana has been a particularly significant figure in my journey. I share a deep connection with him, his wife, Dilshad E. Khurana—who was my co-actor in my very first Mumbai theatre play, The Outsider—and his brother, Adhaar Khurana. They’ve been a constant source of support and inspiration.
Another close friend is Mansi Mulherkar, a brilliant makeup artist I met during one of my projects. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to form meaningful friendships on every set I’ve worked on, across all departments. These connections have made my journey all the more enriching, and I’m incredibly grateful for them.
6. What, in your opinion, makes a story or a character truly connect with the audience?
Brutal truth! That’s the key.
I firmly believe that if a story or a character isn’t rooted in complete honesty, it won’t resonate with the audience. As an actor, if I’m not entirely truthful in my performance, I’m not giving my 100%. Authenticity in emotions, intentions, and execution is what draws people in and makes them relate to the story or character. When the truth of a moment is palpable, it bridges the gap between the screen or stage and the audience, creating a genuine connection.
7. How do you find the balance between creative fulfillment and the commercial demands of the entertainment industry?
I think this is a challenge the entire film industry is grappling with right now.
To be honest, I haven’t yet reached a point where I can make significant changes to the commercial aspects of a project. I would love to be in a position to do so, and that’s actually one of the reasons I’ve started writing. I really hope to explore that space and do well there, hopefully having more control over the creative direction.
In terms of creative fulfillment, I find theatre to be a great outlet. The scripts there tend to be bolder and more open, allowing me the freedom to explore characters and stories in a way that’s often harder to do in commercial cinema. So, when I want to fully engage with my creative side, I turn to theatre.
8. What advice would you give to young actors who are just starting out in today’s competitive landscape?
My advice is simple: don’t give up. The journey will always have its ups and downs, even after you achieve success. It’s part of the process.
Stay honest and dedicated to your craft, no matter what stage you’re at. Remember to enjoy the work you do—find the fun in it, even during the challenging times. Passion and perseverance are what keep you going in this highly competitive industry. Keep learning, keep growing, and trust the process.
9. If you could live as one of the characters you’ve played for a day, who would it be and why?
If I had to choose, I’d pick two characters:
First, Deepak from the cineplay Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti. I absolutely loved playing him. He’s this outlandish, extroverted character who brings energy and fun wherever he goes. What made him even more special was his incomplete love story—it had a bittersweet beauty to it. He was loyal to his friends, true to life, and always ready to help. Living as him for a day would be such a vibrant and heartfelt experience.
Second, Nakul from High Jack. Nakul was naive and found himself thrown into situations way over his head. He was just doing his best to get by, which turned out to be hilarious for everyone else. I enjoyed how relatable and endearing his struggles were, and stepping into his shoes again would be both funny and adventurous.
Bio :
I am a versatile actor with extensive experience across films, theatre, and web series. Originally from Gurgaon, I am now based in Mumbai, pursuing my passion for acting in diverse mediums. Fluent in Hindi and English, I enjoy taking on roles that challenge me and allow me to bring authenticity and depth to my performances.
Film Career
I have had the opportunity to work on critically acclaimed films such as:High Jack (Phantom Films), directed by Akarsh Khurana, Bhangra Paa Le (RSVP Movies), directed by Sneha Taurani, Rashmi Rocket (RSVP Movies), directed by Akarsh Khurana.
These projects have allowed me to explore a range of characters and bring energy and emotion to the screen.
Theatre Experience
I started my theatre journey in 2011, performing street plays with a Delhi-based theatre group. After moving to Mumbai, I worked with renowned directors such as Atul Kumar and Manav Kaul, gaining valuable experience as both an actor and an assistant. Since 2015, I’ve been a regular performer on the professional stage, collaborating with directors like Shubhrajyoti Barat, Akarsh Khurana, and Akash Khurana. Some of the plays I’ve performed in include:
Dhumrapaan
Open
Under The Gypsy Moon
Kaand
Peele Scooter Waala Aadmi
Almost Hindustan
The Kite Runner
A Small Family Business
I continue to perform with established groups like D for Drama and AKvarious Productions.
Web Series
I’ve also been fortunate to work in the digital space, appearing in: Mismatched (Netflix, RSVP Movies), Boygiri (ALT Balaji).
Background and Approach
Open
Under The Gypsy Moon
Kaand
Peele Scooter Waala Aadmi
Almost Hindustan
The Kite Runner
A Small Family Business
I continue to perform with established groups like D for Drama and AKvarious Productions.
Web Series
I’ve also been fortunate to work in the digital space, appearing in: Mismatched (Netflix, RSVP Movies), Boygiri (ALT Balaji).
Background and Approach
My theatre background has been instrumental in shaping my craft, allowing me to transition seamlessly between different mediums. Acting for me is about authenticity and dedication, and I am constantly seeking opportunities to grow as an artist.
Interviewed By : Shivam Sharma
Edited by : Shivam Sharma
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