After successfully delivering comedy roles in a number of well known Bollywood films, actor Aparshakti Khurana has won hearts of the audience playing the intense character of Binod Das in Vikramaditya Motwane's web series Jubilee, which is already streaming on Prime Video. Post Jubilee success, IBNS correspondent Souvik Ghosh catches up with Aparshakti in Kolkata on a hot summer evening...

Q. You were always keen to work with Vikramaditya Motwane. How was it like becoming his actor?

A. Becoming the actor of Vikramaditya Motwane was a huge thing for me. Vikram sir is one of the finest makers we have in the country. I can't say it in lesser words or remain politically correct. It feels great to be guided, nourished and nurtured by him.

Q. How was slipping into such an intense character probably for the first time in your career?

A. Of course the roles I have played before Jubilee were light-hearted ones. Binod Das is a very serious, intense character with a lot of layering but it happened at the right time for me. I enjoyed playing Binod Das as much as I did portraying the previous ones. I am working on all types of characters and I have a lot of gratitude in my heart for the way things are panning out for me.

Q. Did playing lighter characters in consecutive films fuel your quest to search for someone like Binod Das?

A. I am extremely proud of what I have done in the past. I won't disown any of my babies. People do give a lot of love and respect for my characters in films like Dangal, Stree. The audience has showered love to these films too.

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Q. Did you have the fear of getting typecast?

A. Honestly, no. I feel people get typecast when they act poorly in poor films. I wouldn't want any other way. I never wanted to prove anything by playing serious roles. It was never like that. I just take one step at a time. I am the kind of guy who stays completely in the present moment. I function only this way.

Q. What kept you going in your struggling days?

A. I think it was my energy. I am a go-getter in a very happy way. I think I am a workaholic in a very happy way. I don't stress about my 20-hour work schedule (laugh out loud).

Q. Give us a sneak-peak about your conversation with Ranveer Singh post Jubilee success.

A. Me and Ranveer-paji were supposed to do a film together but it didn't happen. But we were in touch. We also play football together. After Jubilee came out, his message was like "Aparshakti b*******d" (laugh out loud).

Q. How was sharing screen space with someone like Prosenjit Chatterjee who is a superstar in Bengal?

A. It was absolutely beautiful. He is a kind of a superstar who used to come on the set with a simple aura. It makes it easier to work and play your own character. He always brought in a lot of happiness and positivity on the set. I used to start my day touching his feet everyday at work. He has blessed me like a kid brother. A lot of bonding happened with him over food and tea as well.