Continuing the lockdown interview series, today, we bring you an exclusive interview with the talented actor Aadarsh Balakrishna. In a detailed conversation, we spoke to him about his future projects, Bigg Boss, not utilizing his fame, and much more. Here is the transcript.

What have you been doing during the lockdown?

I have moved to my parents’ home and having a good time with my family. Apart from that, I am also working out to get back in shape and am writing a few scripts myself.

Are you interested in directing?

No, I love writing and have been doing it for my own blog as well. As I have a few ideas, I have been scripting them during this lockdown. I am totally focussed on my career as an actor now.

What projects were you working on when the lockdown happened?

I was shooting for Krishna Vamsi’s Ranga Marthanda and Color Photo. I have already finished Nani’s V and have a decent role in the film. Then I have also done a Hindi web series based on Uri. I play a sniper in the web series.

Why didn’t you use the popularity of Bigg Boss well?

Yes, in a way you can say that. I was so tired of staying at a place for so long that I wanted to relax with family and chill out. I am the person who used to feel that my work should speak for itself and banners would approach me directly. But I understood how wrong I was and changed it now and am more focused and looking for solid work.

Don’t you think it is a wrong approach in today’s time and age?

Yes, I found it late and now I am doing things in the best way. I am approaching people fo work and am taking up good projects. I am in the industry for 15 years now and acting happened to me accidentally with Iqbal. In the next few years, I just took things as they came but now as so much has opened up, I found out how I should go about in my career. This is like a second innings for me.

You were so emotional in Bigg Boss. Was all this scripted?

You cannot script any emotions. All those were natural. But I can say one thing that whatever goes on in the house, the makers act according to that and direct the show to make things interesting.

What kind of roles do you want to do?

From a student to a gangster, I feel that I have in it to do all kinds of roles. Also, I need to get that one role that will challenge me as an actor. I want to be a versatile actor who can work in any language in the coming days.

How has the family support been?

Touchwood, I and my wife understand the seriousness of my career and how hard it is to make it big. My wife Gulnar has been the biggest support in my life along with my parents. Now that my father is into acting as well, he knows things even better.

What made your father become an actor?

Not many know that KGF director, Prashanth Neel is my cousin. It was his idea to cast my dad in KGF. That is how my dad entered movies and now he is in love with it. He has done a couple of web series and a few films. In KGF 2 he has an exciting role as well.

What’s up with you entering the dubbing scenario?

I remember many of my directors and dubbing heads telling me that I have a great voice. It was Pappu garu from Shabdhalaya who felt that I should dub for the young villain’s part in Ala Vaikunthapuramlo. The film became a hit and I am getting good offers as well. I also feel that you learn a lot as an actor when you dub.

Future projects?

I am doing two web series as of now and one is for AHA. It has been titled Mix Up and is a very urban romance. I have a solid role and feel that this performance of mine will take me places in my second innings.

With that, we concluded the interview and wished Aadarsh the best of luck in his career.

Interviewed by Avad