Ashutosh Rana is single-handedly responsible for giving me and a lot of other 90s children nightmares, thanks to all negative characters he’s played so marvelously. So he was a more than the perfect choice to play of a politician, a conservative father and the big bad guy in the newly released Dhadak. And turns out he also has several other interesting films up his sleeve, including, Son Chiriya, Mulk, Milan Talkies and Simmba.
Talking about his journey in Bollywood and his relationship with Dhadak director Shashank Khaitan, he said,
If you see my career graph, you will notice that I have always been interested in taking up different characters. I believe in exploring myself as an actor. And it doesn’t matter if the film belongs to a big production house or a small one. If the script is good and the character is nice, I am in. Bollywood has been very kind. I’ve been offered roles in intervals but always been blessed with the best. I have an old association with Shashank. We worked on Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania together. It is a fantastic thing that a director has so much trust on you. Dhadak is an adaption of a cult film Sairat. If you get an opportunity to be part of a cult recreation, why not.
Speaking about his role in Dhadak, he said,
You will enjoy the character a lot. I would say it’s very different from what I had done in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. I can say the character is someone you will take with you once you leave the theatre. Yes, the character is negative but the approach is very different. It’s very relatable to the times we are living in. It’s a Dabangg character.
According to Indian Express, he had the best things to say about debutant Janhvi Kapoor who plays his daughter in the film.
On a serious note, even though she is a debutante, nowhere would she feel like a newcomer. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her. She is so professional and focused about her work. Her understanding and the professionalism makes you believe that she is a born actor. Many actors learn the art on job but Janhvi came on the sets well prepared. And it’s good to have good actors to share the screen space, they enhance your performance too. She is a volcano ready to burst. She’s going to blow your mind.
Woa! That is some big praise coming from an actor as talented as Ashutosh.
Like any star kid who has got into films, there will always be comparisons between them and their family members and it’s no different with Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. But Ashutosh has a word of advice for everyone about this.
When there’s a star kid, unfortunately we find their parents, who are veteran/iconic actors, in them. I really feel it is not justified. If you see her as Janhvi alone, you will realise how amazing she is. Try not to look for a Sridevi in a Janhvi and a Shahid in Ishaan, I can bet you will see the caliber.
He further added that Janhvi may not have the Sridevi charm, nor did she try for it because she didn’t need it. The actor said he’s sure she and Ishaan are going to be great actors.
Well, looks like Ashutosh has also joined the list of celebs who’ve heaped praises for their performances. We’re supremely happy to see Ashutosh back on screen and can’t wait for his other releases!