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In an exclusive interview with eTimesAlexx shared insights about his journey, his experiences working with Sara Ali Khan and Emraan Hashmi, reflections on past relationships, a special message for Karan Johar, and much more.
Can you share with us how you landed the role of John Lyer, the antagonist in Ae Watan Mere Watan?
This role is quite unique as it’s a fictional character set in a historical context. What intrigued me about John Lyer is that he embodies the intelligence, ruthlessness, and resourcefulness of the British Empire in a single character. The director, Kannan Iyer, and co-writer Darab Farooqui brilliantly amalgamated various aspects of the British Empire into John Lyer, making him a formidable and dark presence on screen. They allowed me to contribute my ideas to the character’s development, creating a character that symbolizes the oppression and intelligence of that era.
Did you have any interactions with Karan Johar during the filming process?
Surprisingly, I am yet to meet Karan Johar in person. Our interactions were limited to signing the contract, and I’m looking forward to meeting him in the future. I’m very much looking forward to it. I truly and sincerely hope that he’s satisfied with my performance. And I hope next time he puts me in a comedy.
You mentioned your interest in doing comedy roles. Could you elaborate on that?
Absolutely! While working on Ae Watan Mere Watan, the mood on set was understandably serious given the film’s theme. However, I do enjoy comedy roles as they allow for a lighter atmosphere and more camaraderie among the cast. I believe it’s important to balance intense roles like John Lyer with more light-hearted projects to fully explore different aspects of acting and have fun on set.
Sara has a reputation for cracking jokes and getting a lot of fun on set. But in this film, the mood was a bit subdued. I think we all understood the responsibility to properly tell this incredibly important story and to do justice to the movement. So, I don’t think that Sara was the bubbly self that she would be in another film. I also wasn’t cracking any jokes. So, that’s why I say it would be great to do a comedy because I’m sure we’d have a lot of fun.
How was your experience working with Sara Ali Khan and Emraan Hashmi?
Working with Sara Ali Khan was a fulfilling experience. Although we played adversaries on screen, I look forward to collaborating with her again in a lighter film to get to know her better. As for Emraan Hashmi, we had a positive experience working together on Chehre, although we didn’t share any scenes in Ae Watan Mere Watan. Overall, it was a professional and rewarding experience working with such talented actors. I loved working with him. He’s a star in his own right. And I’m a very big fan of his. Unfortunately, in this film, I didn’t even see him once.
You’ve been working in the Indian film industry for over a decade now. How would you describe your journey so far?
It’s been an incredible adventure. I’ve had the chance to work on amazing films, both domestically and internationally. Films like Urumi stand out as beautiful experiences with a fantastic cast. Traveling for shoots has taken me to stunning locations across the globe and within India itself. The recent project, Ae Watan Mere Watan, immersed me in the colonial charm of Mumbai, offering a unique perspective on storytelling. Being part of such exceptional stories and working with talented individuals has truly been a privilege.
I’ve shot all over the world, and even more so, all of the most beautiful places in India. I’ve seen so much of India. I was just in Leh Ladakh shooting with Mohanlal for one of my upcoming films. And I took a motorcycle and I rode around for four days, and just imbibed the beauty of the country. India is so incredibly beautiful.
I am truly being able to live my dream of being an actor. It has been an adventure. It has been a privilege. And every day I am thankful to the people of India, to the audiences, for accepting me and to continue to go and check out my movies, series, and my music. It’s more than I could have ever imagined.
Did you always aspire to be an actor?
Acting was a passion long before I entered Bollywood. I honed my skills on stage in the US for years, exploring various roles in theater. The transition to Indian cinema wasn’t planned, but it became a journey I fell in love with along the way. I was traveling in India, and I was modeling and traveling, and that’s when Cheeni Kum came along. After Cheeni Kum, Loins of Punjab Presents, Madrasapattinam, Joker with Akshay Kumar, Main Aur Charles and more films happened. I didn’t aspire to be an actor in Bollywood. But it happened, and I fell in love with it.
Are you satisfied with your roles and the journey so far?
It’s been beyond what I could have imagined. With around 50 credits to my name, including films, series, and music videos, I’ve been fortunate to delve into diverse roles. While actors are always looking ahead, I do feel fulfilled by the journey and the opportunities it has brought. I think there’s about 10 or 12 projects that are in progress, some of which are getting ready for release.
Are you planning to extend your music career in India?
While my focus is currently on South Africa and Western Europe for music, I always ensure my work reaches Indian platforms. But music in India is always linked to film. It’s very, very difficult to establish oneself as an independent musician and to make music that doesn’t appear in films. Whereas in the rest of the world, this is not the case. But the response from India has been incredible, and I cherish the connection with Indian audiences.
What kind of roles or characters are you looking forward to?
I’m grateful for the variety of roles I’ve had but would love to explore more comedy and romantic genres. Working on light-hearted and fun projects would be a delightful addition to my repertoire. Once again, Karan Johar, I hope you’re listening, because he always makes such wonderful comedies and romances.
How would you like to be remembered in the industry and by your fans?
I hope to be remembered as someone who worked hard and achieved success despite not being the “best” in traditional terms. I wasn’t the best actor, wasn’t obviously the best-looking, wasn’t the strongest with language, and yet I’ve worked very, very hard in order to cultivate a career, to work in an industry far, far from my culture, both physically, in terms of distance, but also, you know, in terms of ethos and, you know, the way that the world works in India.
Any advice for aspiring actors who want to succeed in the industry like you?
My advice may sound unconventional, but it’s vital. Learn to say no. Don’t just take any project that comes your way. Focus on your passions outside of acting, like hobbies or interests that bring you joy and fulfillment. These experiences will not only enrich your life but also give you the confidence to make choices that align with your values and goals. Additionally, consider theater as it provides instant feedback and hones your skills effectively. Remember, prioritizing your well-being and happiness is key to a successful and fulfilling career in acting.
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