In the right place at the right time
Armaan Ralhan, grandson of the film auteur OP Ralhan, is in the limelight now with his eye-catching performance in Ajeeb Daastaans
Armaan Ralhan was just ten years old when his grandfather, OP Ralhan, actor, producer and director, who made films like Mujrim, Phool Aur Pathar, Talaash, Paapi and Hulchul, passed away. The second generation of Ralhans did not make a career in films, and so Armaan was not a kid from a ‘film family’, strictly speaking. But genes have a way of making themselves felt.
“Growing up I didn’t have any link to cinema and was more into sports. But I inherited my love for cinema from my grandfather,” he says.
Armaan chose to pursue filmmaking at the New York Film Academy and got a job in acting in a student film at Times Square. He later attended Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares and underwent workshops with Neeraj Kabi and casting director Mukesh Chabbra.
Ten years ago Armaan was to be launched by Sanjay Dutt’s production house, but that didn’t materialise. But now, his career has got a shot in the arm, thanks to streaming platforms. He struck a chord with audiences in the eponymous role of Majnu in the anthology Ajeeb Daastaans and everyone wanted to know who he was.
Not many may recollect him as Vaani Kapoor’s banker fiancé in the Aditya Chopra directorial Befikre, where he had a different look and role.
But his performance was good enough for director Shashank
Khaitan to offer him a fantastic role in Majnu.
“I met Shanoo Sharma and when auditioning with her I learnt later that it was for
Befikre. Shashank saw me in
Befikre and he made a connection. I found that out much later when I landed Ajeeb
Daastaans,” shares the actor.
For the anthology, Armaan worked with Jaideep Ahlawat and Fatima Sana Shaikh, director Shashank Khaitan and producer Karan Johar. “I had the best time because of these amazing people who made me better. Half the battle is won when you have a director who knows his story and has the skills. When you also have such actors with you and you can feed off them and work from what they share with you as performers, for a new actor like me, it is an absolute blessing,” says Armaan.
The actor has one completed film at the moment. “I have shot for a film which will come out next year. I haven’t signed anything else because of the current scenario,” he says.
The actor is basking in the glory of the film. “It has been very overwhelming and humbling. A lot of people have gotten in touch through Instagram and other mediums. Even people from the industry who I have worked with and aspire to work with have been in touch. It feels great,” he says.