‘FILM PARTIES STILL FEEL AWKWARD’

Newcomer Aayush Sharma on finding his way in Bollywood and keeping up with industry trends

Actor Aayush Sharma, brother-in-law of actor Salman Khan, made his film debut recently with LoveYatri. A newcomer to films and the industry, he admits that it was a bit too much for him, initially.

“I was not born into a film family. So for me, going to a film party today is as awkward as entering a random person’s party. I would be like ‘Okay, I know them from their face, I have seen them on the big screen. Now that they are in front of me, I don’t know what to say to them’. I was very conscious, and didn’t know what to do,” says Aayush, who would then be aided by his wife, Arpita Khan (Salman Khan’s sister), whom he married in November 2014.

“Arpita used to navigate me through. I didn’t know what to say beyond a point, and what conversation to have. I am not someone who can make small talk. Until my film was up for a release, I didn’t step out much. I didn’t feel the need to talk,” says the actor who has a political background. He adds, “When you have something good, then it gives you a bit more confidence to go into a party and say ‘I have something too’.”

Aayush says that nowadays an actor has to be a complete package. “There is a strong element of competition. Back in the day, actors were only supposed to look good, but nowadays, you need to dance, perform, your body needs to look good, you have to do your own action. It’s what sets you apart,” he concludes.

Arpita (Khan) used to navigate me through [in film parties]. I am not someone who can make small talk. AAYUSH SHARMA ACTOR

PHOTO: YOGEN SHAH Actor Aayush Sharma made his movie debut with LoveYatri this year