EVERYONE IS HUNGRY FOR GOOD CONTENT

Saurabh Tankha

It is never too easy to step out from the shadow of a successful sibling. And when that person happens to be the super-talented and successful Ayushmann Khurrana, the situation gets even more complex. But one person who has done with immense ease despite this bond is Aparshakti Khurana. Having played supporting actor in movies like Dangal, Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya, Happy Phirr Bhaag Jayegi, Stree, Luka Chuppi, Bala and Pati, Patni Aur Woh, the 32-year-old awaits the release of his maiden movie, Helmet, as the lead actor.

On Helmet and his hopes from the movie
“Helmet, directed by Satram Ramani, is a film on condoms and how in today’s day and age, people feel embarrassed to go to a medical store and ask for a pack. It is a happy and quirky comedy film which the family can sit together and watch,” shares Aparshakti. He anticipates the audiences to shower him with the same love, acceptance and respect in this role as they have done when he has been cast as a supporting actor. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I hope they like me,” he puts in. Helmet was slated to be released on the big screen but Aparshakti is unsure on which platform audiences will get to watch it now. “It is for the producers to decide but it will happen soon,” avers the Chandigarh-born actor.

 

‘Helmet is a happy and quirky comedy film which the family can sit together and watch’

 

Ghante ki tarah bajta hi raha hoon…
In July, Aparshakti had released his song, Ghanta, which highlighted the turn life took of most people during the lockdown phase and left them with little or no choices. The song, featuring Aparshakti, was Jackky Bhagnani’s debut effort at singing. “Before that, I have composed a couple of tracks – Teri Yaari and Kudiye Ni. I did a song with my musician friends during lockdown but now await for the right time to launch it as Teri Yaari was released recently. There needs to be some gap between the releases,” shares Aparshakti as he starts humming Ghante ki tarah!! Kabhi yaha se baja, Kabhi waja se baja, chaaron taraf se baja!!!

Love for music
Like big brother Ayushmann, Aparshakti too loves music. “Not me and bhaiya alone, all of us at home enjoy music. Whenever there is a family get-together, music is a must. We sing a lot of Kishoreda and Rafi sa’ab songs,” he says. However, Aparshakti rues that he and his Ayush bhaiya don’t get time to sit together and work on a song. “Whenever we are in Chandigarh (where their parents stay), we don’t get time as everyone – our parents, bhaiya’s in-laws, my in-laws, our respective wives and then the kids – are forever there. One doesn’t get time to jam. Having said that if at all one day, very situationally, it does happen then we might just sit and pen down something like ik vaari,” hopes Aparshakti.

 

‘Not me and bhaiya alone, all of us at home enjoy music. We sing a lot of Kishoreda
and Rafi sa’ab songs’

 

Choosing a role
“It is the world in totality. If it is true in totality and in existence, and a writer has been true to his craft, I want to be a part of that world and that project, even if the length of my character is limited. My movies in the past are a proof this fact,” he explains.

Aparshakti, the artiste or Aparshakti, the sportsperson or Aparshakti, the lawyer?
“Definitely, Aparshakti, the sportsperson. Whatever I have achieved is due to my sports background. It has given me the right attitude to work hard, be forever loaded with energy, stay disciplined and be a team person. Also, to be positive. I don’t think I’m as talented as some other actors but all these things make me a better artiste,” says Aparshakti who after studying law worked at Delhi High Court turned into a radio jockey as he got distracted by what Ayushmann was doing and wanted to replicate the same.

 

‘Whatever I have achieved is due to my sports background. It has given me the right attitude to work hard, stay disciplined and be a team person’

 

On dreams
“From the day I started working, I regularly dream that I should keep working each day of my life till I’m alive — without worrying about the outcome, the result. For sometimes, you get returns, sometimes you don’t. It is not in your hands. I never stress over things which aren’t under my control,” he says.

 

‘I regularly dream that I should keep working each day of my life till I’m alive’

 

Movies vs OTT vs theatre
“Any platform which offers good content. We all, as audiences and artistes, are hungry for good content. As a viewer and as an artiste, whichever gives me the space to perform in best possible way and gives me the best content. It doesn’t necessarily happen to be mine or where I’m a part of the project. Pure content will always be my only choice,” avers Aparshakti.