‘MY KIDS SAY I SHOULD DO MORE GOOD FILMS’

While actor Ashutosh Rana’s sons have only seen one of his films, they are aware of his earlier works

One of the finest actors in our film industry, Ashutosh Rana has to his credit a brilliant body of work. However, it is surprising that the actor had not shown any of his films to his sons, Satyendra (15) and Shouryaman (13), until 2014. The first film of his that the actor showed to his kids was Shashank Khaitan’s Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) and he confesses that he will forever owe it to the director for strengthening his bond with his sons. Interestingly, Ashutosh has teamed up with Shashank again for the soonto-be-released Dhadak. In a candid chat, the actor talks about his kids’ reaction to his films and what goes on his mind while signing a project.

You have been acting since 1996. What took you so long to make your kids watch a film of yours?

I’ve always done A-certificate films such as Dushman (1998) and Sangharsh (1999), so I haven’t let my kids watch my previous films because of the violence and negative roles. Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania was the first time I was doing a pure family entertainer and I knew my kids would enjoy it.

What was their reaction when they saw you on the big screen?

They told me, ‘Do you know that you have the most horrifying performances to your name in the world?’ That’s when I got to know that they are aware of my films because their school friends used to discuss [about it].

Didn’t they ever ask you to show any of your films?

No, they never asked. But they definitely said that I should do more good films, so, I’m doing it now. They are aware of their father’s calibre of acting because of the internet.

In Dhadak, you again have a negative role, so would you be able to show this film to them?

Yes. They understand now that an onscreen character is different from the real person. Also, Dhadak is a story about teenagers and their love story, which I can definitely show to my kids.

When you sign a new film, do you think about whether your kids would be able to watch it or not?

No. The thought that comes to my mind is whether the role is exciting and challenging enough, and if it will stretch my limits as an actor.

Ashutosh Rana with his sons, Satyendra and Shouryaman