Romantic comedies are one of my favourite genres, and something that can lift my mood when I’m down. In these times that we are currently living in, a lil’ romance and comedy on screen is something a lot of us can do with, amirite? And that’s exactly when ‘Tuesdays and Fridays’ came along. The romantic comedy introduces Anmol Thakeria Dhillon and Jhataleka Malhotra.
Tuesdays and Fridays is produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and directed by Taranveer Singh. The film released in February this year in the theatres, and is now streaming on Netflix. It’s a feel-good and fun watch about two millennials who navigate dating with clauses and come to terms with their ideas of love and commitment. Anmol and Jhatleka’s chemistry is surely a winner. And Anmol, as the commitment-phobic lover boy, will surely win your heart.
I got a chance to chat with the actor, and let me tell you, he is as charming and lovely as Varun from the film. We spoke about how he realised that Tuesdays and Fridays came as a relief break for so many frontline workers amidst the COVID-19 crisis, his idea of modern dating and the kind of films he wants to do next, and it was one fun conversation.
Excerpts from the interview:
From a theatrical release, to now streaming on Netflix, your film has almost gotten a second-time release and is trending on Netflix right now. How are you feeling, Anmol?
It’s been crazy! I honestly wasn’t even expecting that much of response and reaction. It very unassumingly dropped on Netlfix and ever since, I’ve been flooded with so many messages and I’m not complaining at all. But what makes me most happy is how the film has brought so many joy and how they are enjoying it. Medical frontline workers, doctors are messaging me, saying after a long day at the hospital, they watched the film and it was a pleasant break from all their stress and worries throughout the day. That had me so overwhelmed and glad that I could help someone who is helping us in such a small way.
You know, people always regard a romantic comedy as ‘just a rom-com’, but it is surely tough to crack that code. What made you choose ‘Tuesdays & Fridays’ as your debut?
Yeah, what you’re saying is right. It’s about getting something that’s so simple in a fresh and nice way. Credit to the director, because when he met me, he was very sure of what he wanted. And I think there was a lot of similarities between me and Varun, which made him decide that I was the right fit for the role. I love rom-coms as a genre, so for me, it was quite a natural pick. It was something I enjoyed doing and didn’t have to try too hard to adapt to, so it was a pleasant experience.
We are living in a world where dating is mostly online, with its own baggage of expectations, commitment and more — they call it millennial love. And it’s anything but simple. Your film also is about taking a different route to figuring out love. If I were to ask you, what is your take on modern love and dating?
I think if I had known what modern dating is, I would win a National Award! (laughs) It’s such a grey area, I don’t think anyone’s figured it out. I completely agree with you, it is a little confusing and tricky, there are so many options and there is so much going on. Even I am trying to figure it out, so if you find an answer, please do let me know!
Your mother (Poonam Dhillon) is someone who is an amazing actress with so many films to her credit. Did she have any advice for you when you started your journey in films?
Yeah. You know, about the acting, performance, the film and the role, she felt like I was in capable hands of Mr. Bhansali and Taranveer. But she just gave me the advice that any parent would — to work with honesty, humility and treat everyone equally and not think of myself as the star or the hero. And I think that is something that comes naturally to me. After the shoot of the film, that’s one feedback I got from the cast and crew and my co-star, Jhataleka, as well.
And talking about childhood, was acting something you always wanted to do? Who were like your favourite actors and actresses growing up?
Growing up, I honestly loved Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers. Those were my heroes growing up. I was a very shy kid when I was young and I was a little late to the party when I started watching films and wanted to become an actor myself. In fact, my parents were quite shocked when I told them I wanted to act because they know I am an introverted, shy guy. So it was a long journey from there to now here.
You know, you have that chocolate boy charm and so naturally fit into the rom-com space. But, of course, we are excited to see you in other genres too. What’s that one genre you want to explore next?
So, I was meeting Mr. Bhansali while Padmaavat was releasing. I had grown my beard and my hair out for Tuesdays & fridays’ look test. So, I did a little video of the song, Khalibali, with the kajal and the scar and the long hair. And I showed it to Mr. Bhansali too. But I think it’s also because I can physically look like someone from a period film, so that’s something I really want to explore because it will be very different from this film. Something on the lines of what Mr. Bhansali makes. I also would like to play like a musician, Rockstar is one of my favourite films. So yeah, I am open to it all.
I surely cannot wait to see more of Anmol on the big screen soon! What about you guys?