The box-office numbers for Lenin are encouraging. You must be relieved?
I was always very proud of the film we made. But somewhere in my mind, I was worried. I wondered if I was carrying the baggage of my previous film in terms of the box office and opening numbers. After a three-year gap, those thoughts are natural. I kept asking myself whether audiences would even give the film a chance. Today, all I feel is immense gratitude. The audience embraced the film without prejudice. That’s what I respect the most — they didn’t let my last film influence their judgement.
You’ve gone through several setbacks — and serious hand injury too. That’s a lot for someone so young.
Life teaches you a great deal in a very short time. During COVID, I started looking deeper within myself. The last three years, especially, have changed me. I found my partner. I also stopped over-revving my engine. I’m someone with tremendous energy, and I finally learnt to slow down.
So you’re very happy with your wife, Zainab?
Very, very happy. I can’t even explain how happily married I am. I always wanted marriage, children and a family. That’s the environment I grew up in, and I wanted the same for myself. Career alone cannot be life’s only purpose. At the end of the day, after work, you want to return to a home where the lights are on and someone is waiting for you. Ever since Zainab came into my life, I’ve never felt the need to look outside my home for companionship. I’ve married my best friend.
Walk us through the journey of Lenin.
While recovering from my hand injury, I realised I couldn’t do the film I’d originally committed to. It required me to build an even bigger physique than Agent, and physically I wasn’t ready.
That was a period film involving enormous physical effort. I started looking for something more practical and rooted. I also had to be realistic — I had already been away for a long time. That’s when Lenin happened. I only needed to look like an ordinary villager, and more importantly, it gave me an opportunity to perform.
You’ve completely immersed yourself in Lenin.
I’m saying this selfishly and ambitiously, but my biggest inspirations are Leonardo DiCaprio and, in India, Ranveer Singh. I want every film to be a performance-driven film. I want to dig deeper with every character. That’s exactly what I’m searching for in my next film too. I’m constantly in search of my best.
Did the dialect pose a challenge?
Not really. When the director is absolutely clear about the character and the dialogue, your job becomes much easier. As an actor, all you need is clarity about where you have to reach. Whether it takes a little preparation or a lot, you’ll eventually get there.
How are you celebrating the success?
My family — especially my wife — keep asking why I don’t look happier. But honestly, I just feel empty right now. Lenin has left me. For the last two days I’ve felt blank because I had completely lived that character. Suddenly it’s over, and I don’t quite know what to do with myself. I think I need a short vacation before I come back and immerse myself in another role.
I’m going somewhere near the water with my wife. Just the two of us. I’m switching my phone off for at least five days. I think I’ve earned that break.
One of the first people to congratulate you was Samantha. Have you remained friends?
It was simply a gesture of goodwill. I wish her nothing but the best. She’s incredibly passionate about her work, and she recently delivered a big hit. I congratulated her because she deserved that success. She wished me for Lenin, I thanked her, and that’s all there is to it. It’s mutual respect between two actors. I don’t like to complicate life.