EXCLUSIVE: Shoorveer actor Aadil Khan: I have discovered a new fondness towards action

Aadil Khan made his Bollywood acting debut with the 2020 film Shikara. He played the role of Shiv Kumar Dhar in the critically acclaimed film. Post that, Aadil was seen in the web series Special Ops 1.5. He portrayed an important character in the show and his performance was well appreciated. Khan is all set to feature in the web series titled Shoorveer, wherein he plays the role of an Air Force officer.

We sat down with Aadil Khan for an exclusive conversation. In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, the Shoorveer actor opened up about his switch from films to OTT, his next projects, and much more. Khan even spoke about a vast section of the audience who are switching from the big picture view to the streaming platforms.

You made your Bollywood debut with the movie Shikara. It received immense critical acclaim. However, you switched to OTT soon after. Why this switch?

No. Not that I have moved to OTT. After Shikara was released, then the entire country was under the lockdown, for a lot of time nothing was happening. And that’s when the OTT bloomed. And that’s when the entire space was created that now it’s no more about whether OTT or screen, it eventually became one. And, now it’s more about content. There is like an open ground where actors are majorly seeking good content and good creators and good characters. And wherever it is, for films or for OTT, it’s just become one. So, I am doing films also.

 

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The web series Shoorveer is your next project. Apart from that, you have previously featured in the web series Special Ops 1.5. In Shoorveer, you play the role of an air force officer. What inspired you to choose this role?

I think, this is a fantastically written show. And, when I had this meeting in the initial process of me being casted for the show. When I got to know the script and the kind of treatment that they’re giving to the show and everything; it’s a show which is visually a delight. It is also a show which has power-packed action, at the same time, a very good story line. I as a character, have a relationship with the country. I am a patriot. At the same time, I am a family man. At the same time, I have a relation with the teammates and everything. So, overall, the package was very interesting. As an actor I’m getting to perform. At the same time, I’m good. At the same time, it’s a visually delightful show, the makers are fantastic, so overall, it was a good project to work on.

You play the role of an air force officer. We are all aware of the training that ones needs to undergo. How did you prep for this role?

The process, if I can divide it into two parts is, one is external and one is internal. We did a bit of research. Our Producer has a strong hand in content based on army, airforce, and all. So, with his help, meeting a lot of people, discussing with them, their mentality, their thought process, the body language and everything. And then eventually, adapting it in the character. Also, physically, people from the force, they’re not people who look like they’re body builders, but they have this strong appearance. They look like tough people and all. To bring that into my character, we went into a workout routine. I have always been into fitness. But, in order to look like the part, there is a little bit of things that we have done. We’ve pretty much managed to translate into the character.

 

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How has been your experience working on Shoorveer, doing something similar in the action genre, after Special Ops 1.5?

It was very good. Action can be of different types. And there is no relation in terms of the story or character also. My character in Special Ops was very different to the one I play in Shoorveer. There is no resemblance. So, that ways, the only thing common in both the shows was that I carried guns. As an actor, I would like to be a part of a show where I can manage to showcase more than one of my skills. So, here I am getting to showcase performances as well, at the same time action, at the same time visual view, costumes and everything. So it was beautiful.

Are you looking forward to do more projects in the action genre?

I am looking forward to good work. I kind of believe that good work always attracts good work. As an actor, I’m looking for parts that excite me, satisfies that actor in me. That’s what I seek. And action, I have discovered a new fondness towards action. And this happened through Special Ops 1.5.

 

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You started your acting career with the movie Shikara and now have a few projects in your kitty. What do you want to say about your career trajectory?

I keep it very simple. I plan to focus on what I’m doing. I plan to give more than hundred percent of what I have into what I’m doing. And I have this very strong belief that once I do that, it is going to translate into getting good work.

The audience these days have a different mindset in looking at films, or the platforms they want to choose. Your thoughts on OTT affecting box office collections or the audience in favour of it?

For me, a web show on OTT, is more.like a novel and a film is more like a comic book. It is more crisp, quick, and a show is more detailed. Aur dono ka ek alag charm hai, dono ka ek alag fun hai. The experience of watching something on the big screen and that larger than life feel to it, and that can never go missing. It’s difficult to choose which is my favourite area. Because, I generally enjoy both the spaces. And now, on OTT, we’re coming out with fantastic content. It’s now giving a lot of opportunities to not just actors but everybody who is involved in making the project happen, so it’s a good space.

Anything you want to share about your upcoming project Shoorveer?

It’s a great show that we have made. We have put in a lot of hard efforts. It’s a show which has a lot of visually beautiful things that your going to see. Also, it has a good story line.

Shoorveer is set to premiere on July 15 on Disney+ Hotstar.

Also Read: ‘Shikara’ Movie Review: This Vidhu Vinod Chopra directorial fails to leave an impact