You will soon be seen in ‘Gumrah’. How did you get the project?
After years of auditioning, standing in many lines, and facing rejections, I tried my best to maintain a casting circle. I am also working with Ashutosh Gowariker sir as DA for five years. We were in a meeting when I got a call from Mukesh Chhabra’s office asking for some pictures of my current look. I didn’t take it very seriously that’s why I didn’t bother to share the portfolio picture. It was like an elevator selfie.
However, after some time my agent told me that the director wanted to test me for a few scenes. I asked Ashu sir for some guidance. He told me to drop whatever I was doing and go for the audition. I tested for the part and next thing I know, I was on board for it.
Even though it was not my best audition, my effort and variations made the team feel that I am passionate about it.
Tell us something about your role…
I am playing the role of Prithvi, the kind of friend we all wish to have in our lives. Prithvi is a boy from North India who is fearless and straightforward. He doesn’t shy away from being a mirror to Aditya Roy Kapur’s character in the film which is full of twists and turns! No matter what comes she has got Aditya’s back. It was a lot of fun playing this guy who is not like me at all.
How was the experience of working with Aditya Roy Kapur as your co-star?
In a word it was just fabulous! Aditya is exactly as I imagined him to be, a cool young boy. He is always ready and willing to improve upon every line written. He keeps trying different ways to do the same scene. He also helped me when I found myself stuck in a scene. I want to be friends with him in real life too. I would love to party and maybe even travel with him.
How was it working with Mrunal Thakur?
I don’t have any scenes with him in the film. Our characters do not meet in the film. Once you watch the movie you will know why and how it is even better!
You have recently lost 42 kg. What inspired you?
I have been working out since 5-6 years. My inspiration has always been my father, Bunty Anand, who inculcated the habit of exercising when I was a little chubby kid. Then came Akshay Kumar sir, whom I have grown up watching. I don’t think many people can promote or advocate fitness. I really want to work with Akshay sir. If this happens, I might have a panic attack because of all the love I have for him, but it will be real.
Take us through your transformation journey. What did you do and how difficult was it?
To be honest I was never much of a eater, but talking about metabolism and eating disorders is so boring. Overall, I think the key is to be persistent, not lose hope, and keep experimenting with exercise. The gym is not the only answer to fitness. Stretching and running are also important, at least for me. I’m trying to get leaner now because there’s this perception of a lean body as a hero so the fight is with that mindset.
Being a part of this industry, how important do you think fitness is?
Fitness is the number one priority regardless of industries. I am a graduate in industrial design but let me tell you that an overweight kid also comes in the way of working in a workshop where you need to sit for a few hours. People don’t believe me, but I didn’t attend a single party in college because I had to fit in because I knew that when college placements happen, I will not go for any interview. My test would be to face the camera and as strange as it may sound, it was a fact. I love this statement of John Abraham which instilled in me. He says, “Extraordinary results require extraordinary actions.” In short, fitness is very important because we are part of a visual medium and people need to be stimulated visually.
You mentioned that you worked with Ashutosh Gowariker as a DA. What has been your experience?
I am still working as DA with Sir. He is the best. The man is one of the few who has a passion for teaching the language of film. Even if you ask him stupid questions, he will answer them all patiently and explain to you why the question was stupid. He gave me my first break and for that I will always be thankful to him. There is a lot to learn and a lot to do under his guidance. I like to call him my godfather in the industry.
According to you, what is it that sets them apart from the rest?
Making films for him is not just about money, it is about telling unique stories that can create an impactful thought in the minds of people. Ashutosh sir likes to learn from everyone around him, be it editor or cameraman’s assistant, this quality sets him apart! He doesn’t insult anyone, even though he is one of those people everyone looks up to. I remember when I met him for the first time, I told him that I can’t believe I am seeing him in real life, to which he actually told me, get used to it, you will love me even more You’ll see some, and believe me, I’m still as intimidated by it as I was the day before. I will always have respect for him.
What kind of role do you want to do?
If I can be very honest, the kind of work and cinema I look up to is Christian Bale. The parts they play have layers of characterizations. Every word said is an underlying experience that makes the character say it. He also has the same date of birth as me and is known for physical changes. I think there is a lot of similarity. For the way I normally look, I would love to play an anti-hero. I am not a pretty face as you can see (laughs).
Who do you idolize in the film industry?
Akshay Kumar for his work graph, the way he lives his life and the way he keeps discipline calm and obviously for Shahrukh Khan the way he acts from acting to witty repartee and even That everything till VFX is done with ease! If we talk about Hollywood, I idolize Christian Bale, Joaquin Phoenix and Tom Hardy.
,
