Aftab Shivdasani: I am not from a film family; I have struggled a lot to get the right kind of work – Times of India

After making your digital debut in 2020, you have been on a roll with some back-to-back OTT shows. How has your experience been?
It’s been great. I’ve enjoyed both my shows. But frankly, for me, the medium doesn’t matter as much as the script, role and scope to perform. My approach towards my craft has been the same whether it’s a film or show.

Do you think the OTT has altered the taste of the audience and actors alike in terms of content?
Yes, the OTT space has changed a lot in terms of the stories that are being told as there is much more freedom to express without the fear of censorship.

In many of your past interviews, you have emphasised on wanting to play negative roles more. What attracts you to such characters?
The reason I mentioned negative is because I did it in my second film itself in 2001 (‘Kasoor’) and I really enjoyed playing that role. Of course, I love playing positive but sometimes playing the antagonist too is a high.

Is there any recent character in a film or series you absolutely loved and wished you had played it?
None actually, but I have always wanted to do a historical or a war film.

You have been a child artist. You made a smashing debut in Bollywood. But despite all that, your journey in the industry has not been a cakewalk like most people believe. Would you agree?
Being a child artist has got nothing to do with being an adult lead actor. Also, as a child who was in school, I used to try and do auditions as well to procure commercials as I loved acting as well as the camera. The transition I made into a lead actor (‘Mast’ in 1999) was purely because of a cola commercial where I was spotted by Ram Gopal Varma and then I was cast for it.

Yes, the journey thereafter hasn’t been easy as I am not from a film family. So there was no one advising me or telling me how to plan my career etc. I had to do this all on my own and I don’t regret it one bit. In fact, I wouldn’t have it any other way. At the same time, I won’t deny that it hasn’t been easy as there has been a lot of struggle with getting the right kind of work and films. And the things that have kept me going is my belief in myself and my fans who have supported me ever since my first film. I am grateful to God and the people who have supported me during the difficult times.

You have been a part of some amazing films. Which one of these is closest to your heart and why?
All my films are special to me as I have enjoyed each and every one of them. But the two films that are closest to my heart are,‘Shukriya’ and my first production – ‘Aao Wish Karein’. They are a little more special to me as the characters I played in them have both been timeless (pun intended).

Any update on your productional venture ‘Dhundh’?
‘Dhundh’ has been shelved and we are working on other scripts at the moment which include films and web series both.

What does 2022 have in store for Aftab Shivdasani?
Hopefully lots, after the success of ‘Special Ops 1.5’, I have been listening to lots of scripts and I have liked 2-3 which I will be working on, but due to the third wave, things got pushed a bit. But hopefully we will make an announcement once things get finalised. A lot of my well wishers after ‘Special Ops 1.5’ want to see me do more work and I am very keen to do lots more work and hopefully this year things will be different!