Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 31, 2017)

Like it did for its three lead protagonists, Shoojit Sircar’s critically-acclaimed film Pink (2016) also gave a boost to Angad Bedi’s acting career. Bedi, who played the antagonist in the Taapsee Pannu-starrer, is now set to feature alongside Salman Khan in the latter’s sequel to his 2012 actioner, Ek Tha Tiger., Tiger Zinda Hai.

Essaying the part of a RAW agent is demanding, given that it requires the actor to whip himself in shape, but Bedi says the experience is one he cherishes. Chronicling his training routine, he tells mid-day, “Besides working out for nearly six hours a day, I am also learning different forms of martial arts. I trained in kickboxing and Muay Thai. The hand-to-hand combat fight sequences are challenging to pull off. RAW agents are physically strong, so, I had to work on achieving strength, as well as their agility.”

Apart from enhancing his fitness, the actor also learnt how think like a RAW agent. “I had to study the manner in which they think. They have a strong sense of purpose and are sharp.”

Bedi has already wrapped up a 25-day schedule and will jet off to Abu Dhabi for another 45-day plan by the end of this month. It is during this schedule that the action sequences will be canned. The actor speaks about teaming up with Khan with earnest excitement. “Shooting with Salman bhai has been special. He is a great man and loving colleague. If he likes you, he takes you under his wing. I am loving being pampered. I love the stories he has to tell, the anecdotes he shares from his experience. His learning from his 25-year-long career are worth listening to. It gives you a deep insight into the industry, its ways and how it has evolved.”