It’s advantage Kunal

AN INTERESTING career has seen Kunal Thakkur balance setting up a tennis league in India with winning performances on-screen in drama serials that include Bandini, Koi Aane Ko Hai and Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya.

His next project as an actor is interesting web series Escaype Live, which revolves around social media and technology. The drama series, which will be premiered on stream site Disney Hotstar, has a strong cast and continues the actor’s quest to play memorable roles.

Eastern Eye caught up with Kunal Thakkur to find out more.

What first connected you to acting?

As a child itself I realised that the best part about being in front of the camera is that you get to be so many people in just one lifetime. I think that’s what drew me to it.

Which of your projects has given you the greatest joy?

I think the one I’m currently shooting for, a web series called Escaype Live, which will stream on Disney Hotstar. I have learnt an all-new approach and have thoroughly enjoyed the process of prep, staging and reading.

Tell us more about your latest project?

It’s a tech thriller that also stars Siddharth of Rang De Basanti fame, Javed Jaffrey, Waluscha De Sousa and Shweta Tripathi. It’s a very novel and fresh concept, and I’m very excited to be a part of it.

What can we expect from the series?

It’s a very interesting show based on today’s times and the social

media craze.

How does this compare to other projects you have done?

While doing a television show, we actors don’t get so much time to prep. Here, we had multiple reading and staging sessions, wherein every little detailing was looked into; right from the costumes to the set, everything is authentic and real.

What is the acting plan going ahead?

I wish to do more web series and would love to play a grey character in future like Kevin Spacey portrayed in House Of Cards, which is my favourite show of all time.

How have you handled the lockdown?

I would say just like we all have. I’ve tried my best to focus on my mental as well as physical wellbeing. Apart from watching shows and prepping for my series, I’ve also started planning season three of my tennis league.

Who would you say is your own acting hero?

Tom Hanks and Russell Crowe are my all-time favourite heroes.

What inspires you?

Anyone working hard to achieve their goals is an inspiration to me, be it a daily wage worker or a head honcho of some corporate firm. Resilience and a never-say-die attitude really impresses me.

Why do you love being an actor?

Like I said earlier, you get to be all the things you are actually not, which is a big high. I’m a good boy in real life and get to discover other facets of my personality, while acting, so I would say being able to express is the biggest plus of being an actor.