Aparshakti Khurana, now a well-recognized name in Bollywood, has a journey filled with ups and downs. Before becoming an actor, he wore many hats, including that of a radio jockey, host, and even a singer. But things were not always smooth for him. From having just Rs 556 in his bank account to being refused entry into casting director’s offices, Aparshakti faced a lot of challenges before he carved his space in the film industry. In a candid conversation, Aparshakti reflected on his early struggles, the diverse roles he’s playing, and the importance of family in his life.
The Early Days: Rejections and Financial Struggles
Before making his mark in Bollywood, Aparshakti had his fair share of struggles. He recalls a time when he wasn’t even allowed inside casting directors’ offices. “It was tough. I used to travel from Chandigarh to Delhi, hoping for work, but many times, I wouldn’t even be allowed to enter casting offices,” he shared.
There was also a moment when financial stress hit him hard. “Once, I needed money urgently and withdrew some from the ATM. After the withdrawal, I had just Rs 556 left in my account. It was a difficult phase, but those days have humbled me and taught me the value of success.”
A Turning Point: From ‘Dangal’ to Success
Aparshakti’s big break came with the film Dangal, where he made his presence felt. His performance opened doors for more opportunities. After Dangal, there was no looking back. He moved on to bag roles that displayed his versatility. Aparshakti’s career graph has seen him take on various characters, from comic roles in films like Stree 2 to intense performances in movies like Berlin. Each role has brought out a new side of him as an actor, making him one of the most versatile performers in the industry today.
A Career Filled with Variety: Comedy, Intense Roles, and Everything In Between
When asked about the diverse range of roles he is playing, Aparshakti expressed his excitement. “This year has been a turning point for me. Stree 2 was filled with laughter, while Berlin had a serious, intense tone. Last year, I was also a part of Jubilee, which was a different experience altogether. It’s amazing to explore such varied characters.”
He added, “If a role isn’t challenging, it’s not fun. I feel lucky that I’m in a phase of my career where I get to play all kinds of roles, and people are appreciating them. Whether it’s my family, friends, or even the media, everyone’s positive feedback motivates me to keep pushing boundaries.”
Learning Sign Language for ‘Berlin’
Aparshakti’s role in Berlin required him to learn sign language. As an actor, he believes it’s essential to fully immerse oneself into the character, and learning sign language was a part of that process. He attended a two-month workshop to prepare for the role.
“Learning sign language was very challenging. It was a whole new way of communicating, and I had to forget everything I knew about talking. Plus, I am no longer in the age of school learning, so that made it even tougher!” he joked.
But it wasn’t just a technical learning experience for Aparshakti. The process allowed him to connect with the deaf community in a way he hadn’t before. “We think that people who are deaf or mute are less capable, but that’s not true. They are incredibly independent and do all their tasks just like us. In fact, they see us as the ones who don’t understand their language,” Aparshakti said with a laugh.
Meeting these individuals and learning their way of communication gave Aparshakti a new perspective on life and human capability. He expressed how these experiences shaped his approach to his role in Berlin and how grateful he was for the opportunity.
Ayushmann Khurana and the ‘Stree’ Universe
Aparshakti’s brother, Ayushmann Khurana, is also rumored to be joining the Stree universe. When asked about his brother’s involvement in the popular horror-comedy franchise, Aparshakti smiled and said, “Yes, there are talks. He has a horror-comedy of his own in the works. This genre is quite special because it gives audiences a blend of laughter and scares. It’s refreshing compared to regular storytelling, and I think people are more than ready to accept this kind of new entertainment.”
Balancing Personal Life: A Family Man at Heart
Apart from his professional life, Aparshakti is also known for his grounded approach to family. Despite being in the limelight, his name has never been linked to any controversies. “I have always been cast in roles that are simple. I’ve never had the opportunity to play romantic roles opposite lead heroines, so that might be a reason,” he chuckled.
However, Aparshakti is clear that family is his priority. “Family is very important to me. I feel that professional growth and personal growth need to go hand in hand. Giving time to your family is essential, and every relationship requires that time. I make sure to spend as much time as I can with them.”
Dream Directors and a Crush on Neetu Singh
When asked about which heroines he dreams of working with or who his crush is, Aparshakti found it hard to choose. “It’s as tough as choosing a director I’d love to work with. Everyone brings something unique, and I would love to work with all of them.”
But as far as his crush goes, Aparshakti revealed, “Neetu Singh ji has always been my crush. There hasn’t been anyone else. I would be over the moon if I got the chance to be part of a film with her.”
Aparshakti Khurana’s journey from financial struggles to being a successful actor is inspiring. His ability to adapt to different roles and his humble attitude toward success have made him a fan favorite. As he continues to explore new dimensions in his acting career, Aparshakti remains grateful for the love and appreciation he receives, both from his family and the audience.
