Why Freddy Daruwala doesn’t focus on being physically attractive all the time

Freddy Daruwala may be well known for his macho looks, but the actor says of late he has started to detach himself from the whole idea of focusing on being “physically attractive” all year round. He agrees that there was a time when a lot of emphasis was put on looks rather than skills of an actor, however now, it is solely acting.

“The scenario has changed. It is a challenge for me to come out of my looks and personality. I am 6 feet 2 inches, you see (laughs). But I am trying to throw out in the universe that I am ready for bigger challenges. I am beyond my looks. I am looking out for challenging roles which require a lot of preparation,” shares Freddy.

The actor, who made his debut in the Akshay Kumarstarrer Holiday (2014) and went on to do films such as Commando 2 (2017) and Race 3 (2018), says the idea and notion of a quintessential Bollywood hero has changed and it is a welcome one, indeed.

“Actors like Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana, Vicky Kaushal are not your conventional Bollywood heroes but are successful because the audiences have connected with them. I am aiming for something like that. Being good looking or being well-built is not important anymore. I have detached myself from the fact that I have to have a good body all the time,” says Freddy.

Looking forward to a promising 2019, the actor will soon start shooting for a project with an English production house. “It shall begin towards end of this month. This is the first time I am starring in an international film and I’m excited about it,” says Freddy, who doesn’t want to restrict himself to the kind of roles and projects he is offered. “I am an actor. I have to be like water, you put me in a vessel and I shall take that shape. It is happening gradually. It won’t happen overnight. I still have a long way to go,” he concludes.

Actor Freddy Daruwala feels that acting should be solely important for an actor and looks are secondary PHOTO: GOKUL VS/HT