“If story excites me, medium becomes secondary”

You have seamlessly balanced Marathi cinema, Hindi films, and web series – which medium do you enjoy the most?

Honestly, I don’t look at them as separate mediums anymore. For me, it’s always about the story, the character, and the people I’m collaborating with. Each medium has its own strengths. Theatre teaches you discipline and presence, films allow you to explore details and nuances, and OTT has opened doors for layered storytelling. As an actor, I feel fortunate that I get to experience all three. If the story excites me, the medium becomes secondary.

In ‘Made in India: A Titan Story’, you portray a real-life figure, what kind of preparation did you undertake for this role, and what was the biggest challenge?

Yes, in the series I have played the character of Akash Bansal - one of Titian’s co-founders. Whenever you are portraying a real person, the responsibility automatically increases. I spent a lot of time understanding not just the individual but also the era, the vision, and the larger journey behind the creation of Titan. The challenge was to capture the spirit of a business leader without making the performance feel overly technical or documentary-like. At the end of the day, audiences connect with people and emotions, not just achievements. Finding that human side was the most important part of the preparation.

Sharing screen space with actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Jim Sarbh must have been a masterclass in itself. What did you take away from that experience?

Absolutely. Watching actors of that calibre work is a learning experience in itself. Naseer sir has an incredible command over rhythm, stillness, and truth in performance. Jim brings tremendous intelligence and originality to every scene. Great actors don’t try to impress; they listen, respond, and stay truthful to the moment. That is something I constantly strive to learn and practice.

With the rise of OTT platforms, do you as an actor feel this is the most exciting time to be part of the entertainment industry?

Without a doubt. Today, audiences are open to stories from different languages, cultures, and genres. A compelling story can travel across the country and even across the world. As actors, we are getting opportunities to play more layered and unconventional characters. The boundaries that once existed are disappearing, and that’s incredibly exciting.

In an industry that is constantly evolving, what do you think is the key to staying relevant while remaining true to yourself?

Curiosity. The moment you stop learning, you stop growing. I try to stay open to new formats, new filmmakers, and new ideas, while remaining grounded in the values that brought me here. Trends will come and go, but authenticity never goes out of style.

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Is there a genre or character type that you would love to explore?

I would love to explore psychologically complex characters and stories that challenge me as an actor. I’ve always been drawn to roles that have emotional depth and internal conflict. At the same time, I would love to do more comedy, because making people laugh convincingly is one of the toughest things for an actor.

Every actor faces rejection at some point. What helped you stay motivated during challenging phases of your journey, and what can aspiring actors learn from that experience?

Rejection is not an exception in this profession; it is part of the process. There were times when things didn’t go my way despite my best efforts. What helped me was focusing on growth rather than outcomes. I kept training, learning, and improving. My advice to aspiring actors would be not to attach your self-worth to a single audition or project. Success is rarely overnight. Consistency, patience, and resilience are far more important than instant results.

What advice would you offer those trying to build a sustainable career in the industry?

Focus on longevity rather than quick success. Keep working on your craft. Be professional, be punctual, and be kind to people. Talent is important, but so are discipline and consistency. Also, build a life beyond acting. The industry can be unpredictable, and having a strong sense of self helps you navigate both success and failure.

Whenever you are portraying a real person, the responsibility automatically increases. I spent a lot of time understanding not just the individual but also the era and the vision

Can you give us a glimpse of the projects that are in the pipeline?

There are a few exciting projects currently in different stages of development, including work across multiple languages. I’m also looking forward to exploring stories that push me into unfamiliar territory as a performer. At this stage, growth and exploration are what excite me the most

Rapid Fire

Theatre or cinema?

Theatre. That’s where I fell in love with acting

A comfort dish you enjoy after a long day?

Just a simple home-cooked meal

An actor you’d love to share screen space with?

Amitabh Bachchan

If not an actor, what would you have been?

A professor

A recent film you really enjoyed watching?

I haven’t been able to watch anything recently!

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