After making his presence felt in the TV industry and ad space for a major part of his career, young actor Markand Soni is all set to show off his acting prowess in Ayan Mukerji’s ‘Brahmastra’. The actor will be seen playing a character who is a part of a secret society which basically protects the different astras that exist in the universe.
ETimes got in touch with the actor for an exclusive interview where he spoke about sharing screen space with Ranbir Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan, people’s reaction to ‘Kesariya’ song, actors he idolises and more. Excerpts…
After featuring in several ads and TV shows, how does it feel to be a pivotal part of a big film like ‘Brahmastra’? How did you come on board for the movie?
It feels incredible! It’s a dream come true! I got a call saying the project’s happening and they wanted me to audition for a primary character in the film. And then a couple of days later I was called for round two where they dressed me up as the character and then I got a call saying 'the director would like to meet you' and I went to meet Ayan Mukerji. I was told there and then that I got the part.
Working alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan must have been a dream-come-true moment for you. Tell us about your experience…
It was 100 percent a dream come true moment. I have never met someone as kind and as sweet as Ranbir Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan sir. They have achieved so much in life and yet they are so grounded and wonderful human beings.
‘Brahmastra’ has been in the making for a very long time and fans are eagerly waiting for its release. Do you think it will live up to the hype?
Good things take time and it is definitely worth the wait. It’s going to be like something you have never seen before in the Hindi film industry.
How was it working under the guidance of Ayan Mukerji as a director?
Ayan is a lovely director to work with, very easy, very comfortable and he knows how to get something out of an actor. It was a great experience. I learnt a lot of things. I think I learnt more in a few months of working with him than I did over a decade.
While many loved the ‘Kesariya’ song, some had a problem with the ‘Love Storiyaan’ phrase in the track. What are your thoughts on the same?
I love the song. I think it’s a beautiful song. But it is music, so it’s very objective. Some might like it, others might not. No one is really right or wrong.
OTT has changed the way we look at content today. How do you look at this change as a budding actor?
I think OTT has opened many doors for young and upcoming actors. There is suddenly so much scope for someone who is new and yet to make it. You don’t need to look like a quintessential hero anymore with a jawline that can cut an apple into half and six pack abs. You just need to be able to perform well. So I think it’s a good change and I think it’s going to keep getting better and better.
Is there anybody you idolise in Bollywood?
I look up to Ranbir Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan and Irrfan khan. I grew up watching them and loving their work and hopefully someday I can reach that level and perform as well as they do.
Name any recent film or series that you absolutely loved…
I am currently watching ‘Better Call Saul’ and ‘Peaky Blinders’. I am in love with both of these shows.
From amongst the new generation of actors in Bollywood, who do you think will go a long way?
I haven’t really followed much of their work but I think Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan and Ishaan Khatter are some artists who are going to be the ones that shine the most out of the current bunch of next gen actors. And it would be really interesting to see how and what they evolve into.
What’s next?
After ‘Brahmastra’, I am, of course, looking for more work as an actor, but I am ready to release my music. I have a few singles produced by Hriday Gattani, who is a music producer and a singer, who also works with AR Rahman. These songs are co-written by us, and sung by me. So yeah, the second half of September is me entering the independent music scene as a singer.
