Hero of Bhavesh Joshi now acting in horror comedy

He is the quintessential boy-next-door with his charming looks and unassuming behaviour. But Ashish Verma is far removed from the goofy characters he plays in FilterCopy videos.

Numerous ads, web series like the well-received ‘Inmates’ and supporting roles in films like ‘Chashme Baddoor’, ‘Mickey Virus’ and the critically acclaimed ‘Gurgaon’ — the actor has come a long way due to his love for the craft. He was last seen essaying a pivotal role in ‘Bhavesh Joshi Superhero’, alongside Harshvardhan Kapoor.

His kitty is full with the upcoming horror comedy ‘Aapkey Kamrey Mein Koi Rehta Hai’ starring Swara Bhaskar and Sumit Vyas as well as a British film “Imperial Blue” directed by Daniel Moss. Far away from the spotlight, the actor spoke to Rajitha Menon about movies and more.

Tell us a bit about your character in ‘Bhavesh Joshi...’

I play Rajat, a graphic novelist who is inspired by the idea of superheroes. He wants to bring about a change in the system, becomes disillusioned in between but finally decides to take the plunge into the fight against corruption. He takes matters in his own hands and becomes ‘Bhavesh’, which in the film is a metaphor for one who fights against what’s wrong and leads by example.

What was the most challenging scene for you in the movie?

There were many scenes in the film which were emotionally as well as physically challenging. The scene where Siku (Harshvardhan) asks Rajat to choose a side and stop being a coward and the one where Siku is shot in front of me — these were all emotionally draining experiences.

During the latter shot, I had to dive into the water in an attempt to retrieve the body; I took scuba-diving classes for the same.

Tell us a bit about ‘Aapkey Kamrey Mein Koi Rehta Hai’...

It’s a horror comedy about four bachelors who are struggling to make ends meet and are a looking for a house to stay in Mumbai. I play Sanki, an impulsive character who does things without thinking them through. He is primarily responsible for the mess which the four finally find themselves in. Interestingly,
I juggled the shoots for the two films — I was Rajat during the day and Sanki at night.

How did you land the role in ‘Imperial Blue’?

I was called for an audition.There were many rounds and finally me and actor Nicolas Fagerberg tried some scenes together. We went through them over and over again; with words, without words, in different languages — trying to explore all emotional possibilities. There was even a scene of a physical altercation between us. We got a little carried away and I came out all black and blue (laughs).

When did you get bitten by the acting bug?

I used to do a lot of plays in school and the appreciation I got kick started my love for this craft. But it was when I joined my college theatre society, ‘The Players’, that I started exploring and studying acting seriously. Later I went on to join FTII.

Which medium do you prefer — digital or cinema?

I personally don’t rate one medium over the other. The mediums per se do not have a direct bearing on the way I approach any role. For me, the story, my character and the people involved in the project are of utmost importance.

A lesson you learnt after becoming a part of Bollywood...

I am a very restless and impatient person but that changed after I joined this industry.

Things are meant to happen in their own time; the more we desperately try to chase something, the further it goes away. Secondly, I have learnt that what matters at the end of the day is how honest you are with yourself and in your work.

What does a normal day in your life look like?

Meeting people, chilling with friends, cooking, watching films — basically just trying to be busy.

Three things people don’t know about you...

I like experimenting with food; I love to call people home and cook for them. Secondly, I have a problem staying alone, I love having people around me. Thirdly, I love learning and developing magic tricks.