New Delhi News, 20 July 2021 : I play Karan in Almariyaan. He has a reputation of being a little moody or withdrawn, particularly with his over enthusiastic parents. He has his fair share of eye-rolling and door slamming with them but I don’t judge him, I think he’s going through a phase that almost all of us have gone through at some point with our moms and dads.
In the film, Karan is prepping himself to do a big reveal in front of the parents played by Mr Rajesh Sharma and Ms Supriya Shukla . How they receive what he has to say is brain freezing for him.
Q- What is the idea and inspiration behind Almariyaan?
It’s a very fascinating story. I used to direct a short play called ‘Coming Out’ written by Ajay Krishnan. From the very beginning I thought this is a story that should be converted into a screenplay and reach a wider audience. Jiya is one of the finest writers I know, so I approached her with the material, she did a brilliant job at writing the script and later translating it into moving images. Jiya got in touch with FNP media and Vikas ji geneously gave us everything we needed to make this. The dots got connected so harmoniously and the film manifested.
Q- What you did to get into the skin of this character?
Is it difficult to portray?
Do you relate with your role?
Being a straight man, I had a deficit of grace to acknowledge that parallel narratives exist and must be engaged with. More than physical my preparation for the role was internal, not just as an actor but as a human being I had to do a lot of self counselling and educate myself on the subject matter of homosexuality. I was less empathetic and had a very sanitised vision towards the issue before, I don’t know how I have performed as an actor but I definitely feel transformed as an individual after doing this film.
Q- How this movie relate to our socio-economic scenario?
I think the film is very fitting in the current times. A lot of people from LGBTQIA + community have really enjoyed seeing the film. A couple of years ago the apex court struck down the draconian article 377, it gave a lot of confidence to the members of the LGBTQIA+ community but in my opinion that was only the first step towards change, it’s time for the next step now. The legal paper is now modified but the society’s mindset towards this needs to change. A lot of judgment and inequality prevails and there is a long way to go for total inclusivity. A lot of brands alternated their logo colours to support the community but this attitude should not change once June is over- every month should be pride month.
Q- Do you think this movie will be successful in reaching out to the audience? What are the elements that you feel viewers can relate to?
The British colonial law left an anti LGBTQ legacy in India. Now things are sort of changing, but in India homosexuality is still a very sensitive topic if not a taboo.
I think the timing is just right for this film to come out. In my opinion this will attract the audiences because it not only entertains with its absurd humour but also conveys a very important message.
Q- Share about future projects?
This pandemic has hit the entertainment industry very hard and I have been waiting with a bated breath for work to restart. But in the meanwhile I am looking forward to another short film titled ‘Tiny Disasters’ releasing on a major OTT platform next month.
And if the Corona Devils don’t delay it any further I will start shooting for my next venture from the 20th of August. Fingers crossed.
