‘Kill’ has been receiving positive reviews from all sides. How does it feel?
It feels great because there’s a lot of hard work that goes in, right from the conception of the idea to the final execution. When the final product is made and people watch it, there’s a long process. A lot of people come together, put in a lot of effort, and when all of that gets appreciated, it feels great.
How did you prepare for your role as an NSG Commando in ‘Kill,’ especially considering the physical demands of the character?
My preparation was divided into two major parts. One was working on the psyche of the character and the relationships with other characters. For that, we had acting workshops where Lakshya and I would spend about three hours daily. The other part was physical training, which included martial arts, choreographies, and weapon training for about five to six hours a day. Overall, we trained for nine to ten hours a day for at least three to four months. This intense training process helped make everything become muscle memory and second nature.
‘Kill’ brings together a diverse cast. How was your experience working alongside actors like Lakshya and Raghav Juyal?
It was my first time working with Lakshya, who is very hard-working and sincere. We spent close to eight to nine hours together every day, which was essential for our preparation. His dedication was inspiring, and I had a lot of fun with him. Raghav and I have worked together before, and we’ve been friends for about four years. We have a connection as we’re both from Dehradun. Collaborating with Raghav was a lot of fun, and it felt like home.
Working with producers like Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor must have been an enriching experience. Can you share any memorable moments from the set of the movie?
It was a long association for me, as the first movie I watched in theaters was ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.’ Being part of a Dharma film after so many years feels like a full circle. I also admired the films produced by Sikhiya in college, so working with both these production houses was a dream come true. Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor are very warm and encouraging, giving you the space to explore your art. I feel grateful and lucky to have had this opportunity.
Kill Star Raghav Juyal Overwhelmed With Love From Bollywood Stars; Reveals How Anurag Kashyap, Vicky Kaushal Reacted!
Being high in action and violence, ‘Kill’ is drawing attention and is also being compared to recent films like ‘Animal.’ How do you think ‘Kill’ approaches its narrative and action sequences differently to stand out in the genre?
I don’t think ‘Animal’ and ‘Kill’ are in the same category. ‘Kill’ is a sub-genre of action and stands out because nothing like this has been made in India before. The film is 80 percent action, set on a train, with creative action sequences and choreography using various train elements. It’s a unique experience that’s resonating with audiences.
When it comes to the genre of action, is there any actor you look up to in Bollywood?
I’ve always enjoyed watching action sequences by Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Sunil Shetty while growing up. Jackie Shroff also did some remarkable action scenes. Bollywood has always been high on action, and many actors have delivered solid performances in this genre.
How do you balance between roles in web series and films? Is there a medium you find more creatively fulfilling?
The medium is more or less the same because you are acting in front of the camera. However, with web series, you might have to return to the same character after a long break, unlike films, which are usually shot continuously. I’ve always loved movies, and I feel grateful for the opportunities in web shows, but I definitely prefer movies more.
Your journey from TVF’s web series to mainstream digital platforms has been noteworthy. What advice would you give aspiring actors?
My first show was “Andekhi,” and I’m grateful to the makers for helping me transition from theatre to the camera. Over the past four years, I’ve been lucky to meet driven and hardworking people who inspire me to work harder. My advice to aspiring actors is to keep learning and take advantage of the many opportunities and platforms available. Don’t overthink or wait; just keep working, learning, and growing.
