'Meaty character is my priority…'

As an actor, what is your biggest take- away from The Forgotten Army?

I come from the Army background. My maternal grandfather, who was from Hoshiarpur, was in the Army. In fact, my relationship with old Sodhi in the web series has an uncanny similarity to what I shared with my grandfather. The biggest personal takeaway was a sense of fulfilment that somewhere remotely I’m doing something to honour the lives of the soldiers, who fought for the freedom of our nation.

How did you prepare for this role?

Few weeks before the shoot, I borrowed a DSLR camera from a friend to get used to capture pictures manually, because my character is a photography geek. Kabir sir asked me to watch The Killing Fields, which captures the life of a journalist during the Vietnam War. I also watched documentaries on Bob Cappa and James Nachtwey to learn the different stances when capturing pictures in conflict zones.

How do you compare your projects— Selection Day and The Forgotten Army?

I think it’s unfair to compare both the shows as they belong to completely different genres. Both experiences have been extremely gratifying for me and I’m glad to be a part of stories that the entire family can sit and watch together.

How was the experience of being directed by Kabir Khan?

More than nervous, I was excited. Like I said I’ve loved all of Kabir sir’s films and being one of the primary characters in his dream project was magical. Having said that I constantly felt the need to up my game to make the most of the opportunity bestowed upon me.

Do you see yourself continuing with the digital medium or do you want to be a part of mainstream Bollywood films?

I’ve grown up watching Hindi movies. I have since then fantasised being the classic Hindi film hero that dances to woo and fights to protect the interest of the good, so being a part of the mainstream is my first dream. The digital medium, I’d say, has altered the definition of heroism now. Realism has taken the driver’s seat both in theatrical films and digital content. For me at the moment, being a part of exciting stories and playing fleshed out characters are the priorities regardless of the medium.

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