Despite performing with a feted star cast in the film Fighter, actor Akshay Oberoi made a mark of his own. He talks about his overall experience

Gurnaaz Kaur

Akshay Oberoi is being loved in his role as Squadron Leader Basheer ‘Bash’ Khan in Fighter. The recently released aerial action film boasts of an ensemble cast with superstars, including Anil Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone along with Karan Grover playing lead roles in it. If the audience has loved Bash in the film, Akshay believes it is director Sidharth Anand’s vision that deserves the credit.

To be in such a big movie with such a big star cast has been quite a ride. Usually, in these big tentpole movies, it’s very difficult for actors like me to find a place of their own.

Calling him a maverick, Akshay says, “His vision for Bollywood matches that of Steven Spielberg. Fighter is being called his best film and I think he has outdone himself. This kind of aerial VFX in India, everyone is still so surprised. I am just honoured to be in his film.”

But when it comes to his own work, Akshay feels he is finally getting his due, as do his fans and viewers. To be flooded with responses, Akshay smiles and says, “I have been hearing that this was long overdue since the release of Fighter and it’s not just my loved ones, but also the viewers and critics that think the same, so there must be truth in that. I am passionate about acting and that’s been my focus in over a decade that I have spent in this industry.”

To be able to leave an impact in a film that has many big names, Akshay understands is no mean feat. “My character is the emotional core of what happens in the film. To be in such a big movie with such a big star cast has been quite a ride. Usually, in these big tentpole movies, it’s very difficult for actors like me to find a place of their own and stand among these legends. I am glad that I got it right.”

Dancing with Hrithik

Akshay calls Hrithik Roshan his idol when it comes to dance. It is after watching Kaho Na Pyaar Hai that he took to dancing as a 15-year-old boy. From then to now when he got to shake a leg with Hrithik in the track Sher khul gaye was quite the challenge he took upon himself. “Most people would think action must have been the challenging bit in a film that showcases fight scenes at such a grand level, but for me it was the song where I had to dance next to Hrithik Roshan. That was my fear. When he moves, everyone is in awe of that man. I was so nervous while doing that song and I told him too. I can dance but to be in the same frame and match him, my heart was racing.”

Calling Hrithik the Michael Jackson of the Hindi film industry, Akshay reveals that Hrithik’s dedication towards the craft inspires him. “We all know him as such a great dancer, but he was practicing those steps more than anyone else. He would look at the mirror, even in between the shots, and made sure that every move was perfect. Imagine, with his skills and experience, even today he puts in so much effort to get perfection in whatever he does — there’s so much to learn from that man.”

Packed schedule

While he admits that he has given it his all to acting and knows nothing else, he says, “I come from the school of thought that says let your work speak, but with changing times one needs to change and it’s high time I did that too when it comes to branding oneself. In times of social media, I’ve realised I cannot not be there and expect people to know me.”

Thrilled about 2023 that went by in a jiffy, thanks to Fighter, Akshay hopes all the coming years are packed for him. On a final note, the actor says there’s much to look forward to. “I did a lot of work last year. There’s Illegal Season 3, Broken News Season 2 and sequel to Laal Rang with Randeep Hooda. I am also working on a movie called 2014 with Jackie Shroff, then there is a film called Tu Chahiye that has been directed by Ratna Sinha, who made Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana. There’s also Varchasva with Ravi Kishan. Lots happening.”

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#Anil Kapoor #Deepika Padukone #Hrithik Roshan