Aarya Babbar recently took up the role of Ravana in the mythological musical Mahabali. The actor performed live on stage, impressing the audience with his performance. During its promotion, Zoom conducted an exclusive interview with Aarya, who reflected on playing the demon king. Other than that, Aarya spoke about Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of Ravana in director Om Raut’s Adipurush. Talking about Yash as Ravana in Ramayana, the actor said he can only comment on it once he sees the Nitesh Tiwari directorial. It is set for November 5 release.
Aarya Babbar on Saif Ali Khan as Ravana
Talking about Saif’s portrayal of , Aarya told us, “At the end of the day, an actor is only a director’s tool. However, the director makes an actor perform. As far as my comments on them (Saif and Yash), the only thing I would like to say is that it has passed. It does not make sense to sit down and talk about ‘Oh, Saif performed this way’. And Yash is the future.”
Aarya Babbar
He added that Yash hasn’t performed as Ravana till now because Ramayana hasn’t released yet. The actor stated that he cannot comment on his performance till the time he sees the movie. That said, Aarya believes an actor’s performance is considered bad when a film doesn’t do well. But the scenario is different when a movie does well.
“And when a film does well, an average actor’s performance is also considered ‘oh, wow! great’. This also happens. (I am) not mentioning or taking anyone’s name,” he added.
Aarya Babbar on playing Ravana in Mahabali
Meanwhile, also opened up about playing Ravana in Mahabali, a grand theatrical experience directed and designed by Kulvinder Bakshish Singh. The actor told Zoom, “My whole desire of doing Ravana has always been there. Ravana is the most complete character an actor can get an opportunity to play. This is the first time I am getting to play Ravana on stage. Seeing that I did not wish to lose this opportunity and I grabbed with both hands.”
Continuing the conversation, the actor revelaed how he prepared to play this character in Mahabali. Aarya shared that it involved understanding the needs and desires of entire team and working with them. It also included understanding and delivering what director Kulvinder wanted from the character and Aarya as a performer.
Aarya Babbar as Ravana
“Because it is not a monologue. It is not a solo play. It is being done in a team work. It is called Mahabali. How do I serve my part in the entire play serving Mahabali Hanuman? And my character Ravana is the most integral part for me for this entire show,” he said and signed off.