Abinash Sahu
Ashwani Kumar, the actor who won millions of hearts with his realistic portrayal of characters has recently been lauded for his character “Ashu bhaiyya” in Netflix’s Chaman Bahar featuring TVF sensation Jitendra Kumar in a leading role. Ashwani also shone in the Ajay Devgn starrer ‘Raid’. In this interview, lets get to know more about the actor.
OP: Was being an actor always in your bucket list?
AK: The inclination was there since childhood. Although it was only after my graduation that I started considering stepping into acting as a professional. Even then things weren’t clear as to how and where to begin the journey. Thankfully, I got selected into the acting programme at FTII and that paved way for me taking up acting as a full time job.
OP: Apart from acting, what are your other interests?
AK: I like to read, swim and work out. I have good culinary skills. Stargazing and astro photography fascinate me.
OP: What was your best experience from the movies you did till now?
AK: Ajay Devgn starrer “Raid” was my first Hindi film. I was the “khabri” in the film. Chaman Bahaar was special because I met a bunch of supremely- talented actors who later became my friends. All of us used to hang out together post shoot, exploring the city, trying out local food, watching movies or just chilling at the hotel. Bitter rivals on screen bonded equally well off screen.
OP: What are the challenges you faced during shoots?
AK: The challenges can be many and pretty random. For example, the first day of shoot in Raipur was challenging because of the climate. It was extremely dry and hot. As we were shooting outdoors we all had sunburns by the time shoot ended. As an actor it is also my responsibility not to let such situations affect my performance. In the terms of acting, the challenge is to just stay relaxed and not think about distractions.
OP: Which is tougher ? Comedy or serious role?
AK: Definitely comedy. Both writing and performance. I still struggle at being funny.
OP: What is your success mantra?
AK: There is no success mantra as such. I don’t think I’m successful yet. I’m yet to define success for myself anyway. I just try giving my best each time and not thinking about the outcome is extremely helpful. Its like giving yourself surprises. And who doesn’t like surprises, right?
OP: How are you spending time amid the lockdown?
Well, lockdown is different. I don’t have a routine as such but I divide my time between reading, watching films, playing FIFA on my play station and working out.
OP: What would be your advice to aspiring youths who are interested to choose acting as a career?
AK: Well, just like any other profession, your skill set is the key here. Rest everything else is secondary and not in your control so why bother about those things. Read as much as you can. There are a lot of books on acting available online. Join a local theatre group. Prepare yourself well for the hardships. Identify your strengths and work on your weaknesses. No sweet talk here really, hardwork is the only option.
(Writer is a freelance journalist and alumnus of IIMC, Dhenkanal.)
