This is the season of films starring newcomers. After Saiyaara, now it’s time for Suneel Darshan’s Andaaz 2. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the lead actor of this film, Aayush Kumar, spoke about the film and a lot more.
EXCLUSIVE: Newcomer Aayush Kumar reveals Saiyaara’s BLOCKBUSTER success gives him hope about Andaaz 2’s prospects: “A GREAT sign and shows that people are accepting new faces”; reacts to social media hate: “Jo sahi bolega, usko thank you. Jo galat bolega, we’ll…”
The last time we spoke, the makers were still toying with when to release the film. Now that the film is just 2 weeks away from release, is it a different feeling than what it was before?
It is a different feeling now. I really cannot explain what I am feeling. I have so many mixed emotions. I am overwhelmed and super-excited!
In Andaaz 2, you have been depicted as a conventional Hindi film hero. How was the prep?
Me and both the lead girls (Aakaisha and Natasha Fernandez) had an intense workshop for two months. We prepared so much that we even remembered each other’s dialogues. We even remembered the lines of other characters in the film. I joined the gym as I had to gain 8 kgs. I was into modelling earlier and hence, I had maintained a particular physique. After signing the film, Suneel sir suggested that I should gain weight. For 10 months, I didn’t consume sugar and would work out for 3 hours a day. I would practice dance two hours a day, too.
I’d wake up in the morning, hit the gym. Then I’d go to the workshop followed by the dance class. At night, I would hit the gym again, this time for half an hour. Once that was done, I’ll go home and crash on the bed.
I have always seen Suneel Darshan smiling and calm. Did he ever get angry on the sets?
Never! I couldn’t understand ki kisi mein itna patience kaise ho sakta hai? We never saw him abusing, shouting or yelling. He was also confident and knew what he wanted. As newcomers, me, Akaisha and Natasha were quite nervous. We would discuss, ‘Kuchh gadbad na ho jaaye. Sir gusse mein na aa jaaye’. Lekin aisa kuch hua hi nahin (smiles).
How was it working with Aakaisha and Natasha Fernandez?
Both have immense potential and will accomplish great things. Akaisha has a nature of making her surroundings light and fun. She doesn’t let anybody get awkward easily. She’s quite hard-working too. I really hope that people like our chemistry. As for Natasha, she was always in her character and was continuously looking to give a new to her performance.
In the film, both are shown to be in love with you. Did that kind of situation arise in real life as well?
(Laughs) No. In real life, we are just good friends!
Which is your favourite song from the album of Andaaz 2?
My favourite song has not been released yet. It is called ‘Aankhon Mein Aansoon’. It comes at a crucial juncture in the narrative, which I am deeply connected to.
Nowadays, besides media and trade, a lot of people on social media have become self-proclaimed experts…
Yes, many have become critics!
Yes, and hence, it adds to the pressure for newcomers. Earlier newcomers had it relatively easy. Are you prepared for it?
Yes, people are harsh, and I can see that on social media, many people are posting negative comments. However, it doesn’t affect me at all, as Suneel sir had already prepared us for it. Some would mock us, saying that I don’t look good or I don’t act properly. But it’s fine; it’s a part of the game. We all know how social media works. I am aware that many people are going to post their reviews for our film on YouTube and other platforms. Koi sahi bolega, koi galat bolega. Jo sahi bolega, usko main kahunga ‘Thank you so much’. Jo galat bolega, we’ll ignore them (smiles). We’ll concentrate on our work.
Do you like to track the box office? Would you be constantly checking Andaaz 2’s collections as well?
Of course, I will. Even for current releases, I am keeping a track of their earnings as I want to know kis film ne kitna kamaya!
Until recently, there was a worry whether films starring newcomers could work. However, Saiyaara opened with a bang and is running successfully. Since you are also a newcomer and your film is full of fresh faces, does it give you hope for the prospects of Andaaz 2?
It is a great sign as it shows that people are accepting newcomers and new faces on screen. I definitely want people to like us as well. With Saiyaara, they have hit the ball out of the park. Their strategy has worked and how.
What will you do on August 8, the day the film releases?
I really don’t know what I’ll do. I’ll try to sleep a night before. Then on August 8, I’ll go out and round maarunga theatres ka (smiles).
Any final thoughts on Andaaz 2 and what people can expect from it?
Andaaz 2 is not similar to Andaaz (2003). It is not just a love story. Romance is one aspect, but there’s much more to the story. You’ll get to see romance, heartbreak, as well as a family angle and how friends can be your family. Also, you’ll get to learn important lessons. In short, if you value relationships in life, then you should definitely watch Andaaz 2.
More Pages: Saiyaara Box Office Collection , Saiyaara Movie Review
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