Paresh Rawal's son Aditya: Will take me 30 years to be spoken of in same breath as dad

Being compared to his father (Paresh Rawal) is inevitable, but Aditya feels no pressure. Because he feels it will anyway take him years to be spoken of in the same breath as his father. So, until that time, he plans to enjoy his journey and put his best foot forward in the world of cinema.

In an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, Aditya Rawal, who has also co-written Panipat (the Ashutosh Gowarikar-directed 2019 film) and assisted in his father's film OMG Oh My God, talks about making his acting debut in ZEE5's film Bamfaad, his parents' reaction to his debut, and more. Excerpts:

How did you narrow down on Bamfaad as your acting debut?
I auditioned for the film and Ranjan (Ranjan Chandel, director of Bamfaad) liked it. When I read the script, I absolutely fell in love with it and my character. The character is so different from what I am in real life. I desperately wanted to do this film.

When did you realise you wanted to become an actor?
I was always around this world, especially around my father's world of theatre. I spent a lot of time on sets, watching performances. I was a professional football player, but at the age of 20-21, I found myself more inclined towards writing and acting.

What is your calling - writing or acting?
Both are different from each other. It's fun when you are paid to go to a meeting and tell stories. And then acting is completely different because you are actually going out into the world and meeting a lot of people. It's nice to keep shifting between these two worlds. I enjoy them both.

What was your parents' reaction when you told them about Bamfaad?
They were pleased that I was getting an opportunity to display my talent. They were happy, I hope they remain so after they see the film!

Were they concerned that you are making your acting debut on an OTT platform and not on the big screen

They were never concerned about it. We never planned a launch. We all believe that you put your head down and do your work, and things will come if they are meant to come your way. You should be ready to make the best of those opportunities when they come.

Also, I think ZEE5 is a great platform. At this time, people are looking for things to watch online. To give them something as artists, I think that's our contribution.

Did Paresh Rawal visit you on sets?
He never visited me on sets but he was always there when I needed guidance.

What kind of guidance do you ask from him?
All sorts of things. The act of being an actor. Not just the acting bit but how to conduct yourself in life, how to conduct yourself on sets. Because that is also a part of what we do. You are actually acting for a short time on set, a lot of it is being an actor. Doing your homework and learning to wind down after a day, so that you are ready for the next day.

These tips were very helpful. My father has been around for a very long time and has seen it all. I am fortunate to have a mentor like him.

Do you feel the pressure of being compared to him?
There is some sort of pressure at the back of my mind. But my father is so far ahead of me. He is a legend, I will have to do amazing work for the next 30 years to be spoken of in the same breath as him, let alone to be compared to him. So, yeah, no pressure as such.

Ranjan is marking his directorial debut with Bamfaad. How did you put your trust in him?
He is very confident and sorted. He is the kind of person who inspires trust and confidence. Throughout the process, I felt I was in safe hands.

How was the experience of working with Vijay Varma?
He is such a strong actor. His screen presence is amazing. He is a powerful performer. Watching him made me understand just how much is needed when you work in front of a camera. Off sets, our conversations were also enlightening. We are both movie buffs and we had so much to talk about.

How is Bamfaad different from an Ishaqzaade or a Gangs Of Wasseypur?
It does show a world and a geographical location that has been depicted in films earlier but Hanzalah Shahid (co-writer of the film) and Ranjan has created this world with a lot of honesty. Hanzalah is from Allahabad and Ranjan is from the southern part of Kanpur. A lot of the details, dialogues and instances in the film came from things that they have observed in real life. Because it's an honest depiction that comes from their own experiences, it makes it unique.

What is your quarantine routine?
Right now, the routine is overtaken by film promotions. Otherwise, I was working on a couple of things. Hopefully, when the virus has bee controlled and all this ends, I will get on them. I am working on myself. I also write, so I am doing a bit of that.

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