Aparshakti Khurrana opens up on his big break 'Dangal' and possibility of playing negative roles

“The most challenging bit was to create a separate identity for myself. My brother and I are too similar we shared the same room for 21 years, our interests are similar. We take joy in being part of the radio space, music and love anchoring. I had to slowly carve out a path for myself, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Aparshakti Khurrana.

He debuted in a feature film that was dominated by colossal cinematic performances. Amid poignant scenes and grave plot twists, Aparshakti, as 'Omkar' in Dangal, warmed hearts and tickled viewers with his unabashed simplicity and effortless comic timing.

The film was a raging success, smashing box-office records across the globe. It was a turning point in Khurrana’s road to success, getting him an award for Most Promising Newcomer (Male).

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With Dangal, a benchmark was set, expectations mounted high and challenges loomed overhead. But Aparshakti says the pressure never really cracked him. “It has always been about staying true to my craft, learning with every opportunity and making the right choices at the right time”.

In a conversation with WION, Aparshakti Khurrana opened-up about his journey from a being a radio jockey, an anchor to becoming an actor. He expressed happiness over the success of his recent film Stree, starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, and spilt beans about some of his upcoming projects.

WION: First of all, many congratulations over the success of Stree. How are you feeling?

Aparshakti: Well, God has been kind, I must say. It is gratifying, overwhelming. The film was studded with exceptionally talented actors there was no room to falter. It was challenging because horror-comedy, as a genre, has not been done much, there are only a handful of cinematic examples that you can refer to. Then playing 'Bitto' was difficult because I am never scared of ghosts. You know, in reel life you imagine yourself in a situation and try to bring out how you would react as if it were real, here it was difficult because, in real life also, I am never spooked or scared.

WION: You were in Delhi for almost a decade. You were an RJ, you were anchoring and you used to be an active part of Delhi’s drama circuit. Briefly take us through your days of struggle before the ‘big break’, Dangal, happened.

Aparshakti: There are two things that don’t exist in my dictionary – struggle and luck. The journey before Dangal was challenging, I would say, it was different. I always say that I was preparing, rather than struggling. You don’t get everything on a platter, you prepare for it, right? I don’t like the word ‘luck’ it undervalues and overshadows your talent, your hard work.

I wouldn’t discount those eight years in Delhi. It has taught me immensely. I made so many memories, met so many amazing people, and learnt so much. All of it has added to my craft, to what I project onto the screen today. It was all beautiful, it took time, yes my brother always told me to be patient, to continue to prepare and be positive about it.

I wanted to focus on my craft and be true to it. I remember bhaiya once told me that the city of Mumbai calls people and it is true when I was least expecting it, had plans to settle in Delhi and do something in Radio space, that is when Dangal happened. In a month life changed and I found myself relocated to Mumbai, filming for Dangal, living a completely different life.

WION: Are you worried about getting type-cast or of not getting a variety of roles from what you have been exploring until now?

Aparshakti: I don’t worry at all. I have no apprehensions or fears. I think if I am true to my craft, my audience will connect with me. If they are connecting to my craft, my job is done. I think I have made good choices so far, I didn’t want to rush and I will not do that. I think I have looked and behaved very differently in all my cinematic performances. It is important to make well-informed, careful choices in your career.

WION: Tell us about your upcoming projects. What is Apar working on after Stree?

Aparshakti: Leena Yadav’s Rajma Chawal starring Rishi sir is the latest to come, it will be released by the end of this year. Then, a couple of projects that I am excited about is Luka Chuppi where I am working with Kriti Sanon and Kartik Aaryan, and Jabariya Jodi with Parineeti Chopra and Sidharth Malhotra both will be released next year.

_{Team 'Luka Chuppi'}

WION: Mind sharing a bit more on these two movies?

Aparshakti: Well, in Luka Chuppi, you will see me figuring out the solutions for issues that Kriti and Kartik face, whether or not those make or break the situation for them is something that you will have to see.

In Jabariya Jodi, I chase Parineeti while she is smitten by Sidharth and a chain of events unfolds, you will have to wait to figure out the rest of it.

For a change, you might see me in a completely different avatar, in a negative role I am already in talks with someone for the same.

_{Parineeti Chopra and Aparshakti Khurrana are working together in the upcoming 'Jabariya Jodi'which also features Sidharth Malhotra}

WION: Your final thoughts?

Aparshakti: Well, this goes out to all those who liked my performances and appreciate my craft – thank you. I just try to stay true to my work and put my best foot forward. I also want to say that at times, it is okay for things to not happen or for something to take time. I am a person who always has a reality check, if God doesn’t want something to happen to you, it is okay, it is not the end of the world. The key is in to keep trying and trying with all honesty.