Netflix’s ‘Ajeeb Daastaans’ has been blowing the audience’s minds ever since its release and is a one of a kind anthology.
Armaan Ralhan, who plays a lead role in the first segment of the film – ‘Majnu’, gives an exclusive scoop to Instant Bollywood on his experience.
Reactions Your Character ‘Raj’ Received
The reactions have been very overwhelming and humbling. Apart from friends and family who are well-wishers, I have been trying to reply to a lot of people on Instagram. Of course, people from the industry that I know and a lot of people that I am inspired by and would love to work with have reached out so it’s been really nice. To name a few, one of my mentors, Adi sir (Aditya Chopra), reached out and told me he liked my work and so did Ayushmann (Khurrana). I feel hopeful that I get to do more good work in the future.
Favourite Part About Your Character
What I liked a lot about playing this part was that I was playing a character of a guy who is playing a character in the film. In the film, I have this plan that I’m trying to put together so that was really fun. Then of course working with Shashank, Dharma, Netflix, Fatima and Jaideep was amazing. There was nothing that I didn’t like. At such an early stage in my career, even to be a part of this ensemble of actors who I look up to, whether it is Manav Kaul or Shefali Shah or even Inayat who is so amazing, it is very nice to get the opportunity to be a part of such a film.
Relationship With Co-Stars
My film was with Jaideep and Fatima so I didn’t get the opportunity to work with the others and unfortunately because of the pandemic, I did not get to meet the others. Honestly, just working with Jaideep (Ahlawat), who I have been a huge fan of ever since I saw him in Gangs of Wasseypur was amazing. He is such a powerful and intense actor, he was amazing to work with and there was so much to learn. The simplicity with which he approaches the scene but when you watch it, it is so complex, it was an amazing experience. For Fatima, I can speak for all of us when I say the whole country fell in love with her after Dangal and here she is playing something so different to that, playing the role so beautifully. One of my best experiences is the big climax scene where Jaideep’s big reveal comes, that was the scene where just watching him do that, personally, I think it is one of the best scenes I have ever done because I have never felt so present in a character.
On Wanting To Become A Director
For me, my love for films is what made me want to be in films. Eventually, I would love to direct as well. Growing up I did want to be a professional footballer at one point of time but I quickly realised I wouldn’t be able to play at the level I would have to. So my passions were always between films and football and of course films worked out. I have just started my journey and I am hopeful.
Favourite Films
Growing up, being a 90’s kid, I used to love watching the movies Andaz Apna Apna, Hera Pheri (which is still one of my favourite films). As I got older I began watching more intense stuff. I love Dil Chahta hai, Lagaan, there are so many. Then there is Godfather, Life Is Beautiful, Scarface, so many films.
Dream Project
To have a certain role in mind, I need to put together a dream project in my head. You don’t know what comes to you. My dream is to work with some amazing directors and be a part of their vision and story. A film is a director’s medium. As an actor, you are here to bring the director’s voice out. I would like to create my own identity and my own path. My long term goal is to create a filmography that I can be proud of.
Message To Fans
I would like to ask everyone to be safe, take care of yourselves, help each other and wear your masks. Follow the protocols and rules that we have been instructed and I hope we get through this soon together.