Aparshakti Khurana: Films Can Make People Comfortable With Topics That They Otherwise Would Not Be Open To Discussing

Aparshakti Khurana has been climbing the ladder of success slowly and steadily. From doing supporting roles to now doing lead roles, he has come a long way. Side by side, he has also been working on his music and has been coming up with music videos every now and then. He recently released ‘Neendan Ni Aandiyan’, which has gone on to become a huge success.

Talking to Prateek Sur, Aparshakti Khurana opens up about his work, how his life and priorities have changed after becoming a father, how he is trying to break the stereotype of being a comic actor, his travails with social media and how he is waiting for a script where he can work with his brother Ayushmann Khurrana. Also, being a sports fan himself, Aparshakti Khurana opens up about his love for the FIFA World Cup 2022 winning team, Argentina.

We see you coming up with music videos every now and then. When do we get to see you sing for your movies?

Music for me is beyond the boundaries of the platform or the medium. It’s something that I cherish and truly enjoy doing. But to answer your question, if the right opportunities come to me to sing for movies, I would most definitely honour them.

Where did the germ of ‘Neendan Ni Aandiyan’ come from?

I won’t be able to take any credit here. It’s not a song which I and my team started working on from the scratch. It’s entirely done by the composers Sushant Shankar and the writer Yeah Eshwari. It just came to me from Anurag Bedi (Zee Music Co) but the moment I heard it, I had fallen in love with it.

Your songs tend to trend a lot on social media and on Insta reels. Do you constantly keep tracking if the songs are working or not working, and do you interact with fans and take positive criticism from them?

I won’t say they trend. I would say they are accepted well. It’s heartwarming to see people enjoy your craft. That’s what happens when I see people making reels on songs that I have sung. In order to track the performance of songs we work on, my team and I, keep ourselves open to feedback, both good and bad. That being said, social media platforms have made it really easy for all of us to track the performances of any digital product we publish. Thanks to the detailed insights which come in handy too.

During the last couple of years of the pandemic, we’ve seen you’ve pushed yourself a lot on social media. What’s your take on social media? Is it a good tool or can it also become a burden to constantly think about what to post next?

I feel social media is a great tool to stay connected with people and that’s what I aim to do with what I post there. But I also feel the social numbers do get a little overwhelming at times and so does the pressure to always come up with something new.

You’ve dabbled in genres as well, but whenever people see you there is always a certain expectation of having a bit of comedy as well. Do you think you’ve got a bit stereotyped in the comedy genre?

I feel some of my early films may have established me as someone who would be fitter for comedy roles but I am constantly pushing myself by venturing into roles of different genres. ‘Dhokha’ was one such mindful decision and I think it may have changed certain perceptions. With ‘Berlin’ and ‘Jubilee’, I think it will only become better. And I am looking forward to taking more of such decisions when it comes to the roles I play on screen. My craft becomes even more enjoyable when I keep experimenting with it and I think that’s what the audience may like as well - in my humble opinion.

You’ve changed from playing supporting roles to now playing lead roles. Do you see a change in the way people treat you on sets now that you’re the main protagonist and the entire film is on your shoulders?

I feel as you grow in your craft, the pressure on your shoulders is bound to increase. And so are the expectations of the audience. But that’s part of the process and I embrace it. About people treating me differently- I don’t see any significant change there, majorly because I haven't changed at all, also I feel I am blessed to have worked with amazing crews who I shared camaraderie with, irrespective of the role I was playing.

Does this fact bring in more pressure to perform better? Or are you as calm and non-nervous as before?

Yes, as I said - the pressure to perform is definitely more but I try to channelise my energy into delivering a better output rather than succumbing to it.

On a serious note, do you think films or shows have the power to alter people’s minds? Like, can movies influence society?

Yes, I strongly believe so. Films do have an influence on society in the smallest and the biggest of ways. They can bring about change in social norms and make people comfortable with topics that they otherwise would not be open to discussing.

Every few months when I do your interview, you always say that you and Ayushmann will soon come up with something together. When can we finally get to see you both coming together onscreen?

I always said that as and when a good script for two brothers comes our way, we will do it. Hope that happens soon!

Also, you’ve recently become a father. How has life changed after that?

Yes, life has changed and changed for the better. She has added joy to our lives from the moment she entered the world. Our life is more meaningful now and wholesome. It’s honestly the best thing to have happened to me and Aakriti.

Are there scripts that you’re saying no to nowadays keeping in mind that you don’t want your kid to grow up and watch their father doing this project? Do you keep Arzoie in your mind while selecting projects?

No, honestly that’s not a filter that I am keeping. I have always said yes to projects that strike a chord in me and I continue to do that. Neither she needs to make personal or professional choices in life keeping me in mind.

You’re a big fan of sports. So much so that you’ve even said you left films in order to be able to host sports shows. So, whom did you support this Football World Cup?

My favourite team is Argentina and I am supporting them all the way. Naa Meena, naa hii teena, sirf Argentina.

Where do you think Indian football is going wrong that we’re never able to reach that level that we end up playing a World Cup?

Honestly, I feel it would be unfair for me to comment on it. I am sure our players and the authorities are putting their best foot forward.

On the work front, what next can we see coming from you?

You can expect to see me in a spy thriller by Zee Studios. It’s called ‘Berlin’ and then an Amazon original series called ‘Jubilee’.