Your last outing was in Maharaj, showcasing an exploitative man. How do you view the portrayal of masculinity in films?I love every shade, whether it was Maharaj, Action Hero, or now Paatal Lok. These are men who carry various shades of life and how they interpret the same and make the choices they do. I enjoy exploring those shades. Whether it’s Maharaj or Pardeep Kamath of Three of Us, for me they belong to different worlds and are not related to each other. But it was just enjoyable getting under their skin. Hathi Ram is my most cherished character. If I think of my generation, we all get to see the reflection of our father to an extent in him. You try to put yourself in your father’s shoes, and whatever his shortcomings or strengths, you, in retrospect, tend to think that whatever it may be, at the end of the day, he is my hero.It took you 12 years to get a breakthrough, despite having given stellar performances in films like Raazi. What was that phase really like?I knew I wasn’t doing anything wrong. I had no option but to wait for that one opportunity. These are things beyond one’s control, and all you can do is be ready. In case something comes your way, you should be ready to grasp it. Had I gotten Paatal Lok ten years ago, I doubt I would have played it with the honesty with which I have now. An actor needs to constantly evolve. When that happens, things start to move.You, Rajkummar Rao, and Vijay Varma are batchmates from FTII. It has been a journey of struggle and recognition. What’s it like when the three of you meet now?It has been an amazing journey and feels very personal when the three of us are at an awards show and each one has been nominated for something. It seems unimaginable. The other day Vijay and I were both nominated in the same category, and I received the award for Maharaj. It was funny how he wrote on the WhatsApp group that I had taken his award. It is healthy and encouraging to be in this space with them.We hear you will be in The Family Man Season 3. Is it a Paatal Lok and Family Man crossover?No, it isn’t a crossover. But it is a prominent part. I can’t say anything beyond that.
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