It’s been a couple of years since Akash Puri, son of filmmaker Puri Jagannath, made his debut as a lead actor with the 2018-filck Mehbooba. The actor talks to us about how since then he’s had several realisations about how the industry operates. Raised in a filmy atmosphere and having been to several film sets as a child actor, Akash believes that lead actors should shoulder the responsibility for a film.
“They should set the perfect example on and off the screen because people emulate them,” he explains. “And I have realised how challenging it is to work towards living up to those expectations.”
Taking on more films Akash admits that his short stint in showbiz thus far has been satisfying. “I am slowly getting a hang of the industry and am beginning to understand it better. And I want to start doing more films every year,” adds the actor.
While he has wrapped up the shooting of his second film, Romantic, the actor has signed another film, Chor Bazaar, directed by Jeevan Reddy and produced by V.S. Raju. The film was launched on Thursday.
“I love how the director has penned my role and the script. While crime is a predominant element in the film, it is a mass-entertainer and has all the elements of a masala fare,” says Akash, sharing his thrill about taking up the film. “I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to do a mass role and to do a film that everyone accepts.”
Exciting transformations
Chor Bazaar will, interestingly, have Akash in a rugged look, something he seems excited about acquiring. “My makeover will involve growing my hair longer and getting a rugged look to suit the mass drama the film aims to be. I am working out and building muscles for a lean look,” he states. And then with a smile, he adds, “Although I won’t be going shirtless in the film, my physical transformation will be evident.”
Akash also reveals that he will soon take up dance classes for the film. “In my last two films, I did not have to dance much, but Chor Bazaar has some groovy mass beats, so I am gearing up to shake a leg, too,” he tells us.
As we wrap up our interaction, we can’t help but ask what his ace filmmaker dad’s involvement is when it comes to finalising Akash’s scripts. “My father doesn’t get involved; it’s totally my call,” he clarifies. “But he has been my guiding force, so deep down, I am determined to do a film that makes him proud.”
