‘Rudra: The Edge of Darkness’ is receiving positive reviews from all quarters. How does it feel to be a part of such a big project?
I am overwhelmed with the response ‘Rudra…’ is receiving and to be part of such a massive project is immensely satisfying. I am happily surprised to see my name being mentioned in reviews for my performance. Honestly, I didn’t expect that I would be noticed alongside such veterans. It was exhilarating just to see mention of my name in performances to watch out for.
How was it working with Ajay Devgn?
Ajay sir is inspiring in every way. His acting prowess, and humility are all that makes him so inspiring. It was nerve-wracking to do an action sequence with the ‘Singham’ of the industry, but he made me so comfortable in the entire action sequence by giving freedom to go all out. His willingness to let a newcomer do all that I was able to do, hold him and fight him shows how much he is involved in the scene and nothing matters to him more than a great outcome of a scene.
Apart from Ajay Devgn, the show featured some great talent like Atul Kulkarni, Ashish Vidhyarthi, Esha Deol and others. Who did you bond the most with on the sets?
I had interrogation scenes with Atul sir and Ashwini ma’am. We all know the talent they both possess. I was anyway intimidated by their presence so I guess the interrogation scene came out naturally to me. My character was such that I kept minimal interaction. But I bonded really well with my (onscreen) father Milind Gunaji. He gave me a better understanding of my character.
You have a major TV background. There are many actors from TV who have made it big with their hard work and talent. Is there any such actor you look up to?
I look up to everyone who looks for growth and works hard towards it irrespective of where they have reached. It’s the process that matters.
You have done small but impactful roles in films like ‘Mardaani 2
’ and now in ‘Rudra’. Who have you enjoyed working with the most?
It’s like a dream come true to share screen space with both Rani ma’am and Ajay sir. I have learned watching them over the years. God has been kind to me to give me opportunities like these, where I am not just working with them but also getting inspired from their humility and passion they continue to have for this art. It’s a delight observing them on the monitor.
OTT has changed the scene for many in the industry. How do you look at this change as an actor?
This is the best era for directors, writers and not just actors. So many doors have opened in terms of films, web and TV. I feel just like IPL has given an opportunity to so many talented cricketers in this nation. OTT has come like a blessing for all the creative people.
Theatres have opened now and we have a sea of films waiting to release. Which one are you looking forward to going and watching in the theatres?
I watch all the films. Hum sabki films dekhenge tabhi toh hamari bhi log dekhne aayenge.
Is there any actor you idolise in Bollywood and would love to share screen space with?
I wish I had gotten an opportunity to share screen space with Irrfan Khan sir. It’s a dream shattered.
