As told to Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 16, 2020)

I was in my final year of my CA but wasn’t happy with what I was doing, so I started auditioning for films. I waited a long time for my break and held out for an author-backed role because I was confident I’d impress the audience. The auditions led to web series and at its success bash, I spotted Zoya (director Zoya Akhtar and requesting the DJ to play “Gallan Goodiyaan” from Dil Dhadakne Do” pulled her on the dance floor. She was surprised by my confidence and, a couple of days later, was called to audition for Gully Boy.

She had categorically informed me to not be disheartened if things didn’t work out, as she was looking to cast someone older who was already an established actor. I started to prep for the audition by writing my own poems since I have some knowledge of rhyme and rhythm and rapped them dressed like a rapper. I sailed through.

I was just 24 and M C Sher was slightly more mature, so, I had to behave in a certain way. I even grew some muscles. There were some workshops with Zoya, too, to get the character traits right and I was doing my own prep alongside. On the first day, I had to shoot an important scene on the terrace with Ranveer (Singh). I came well prepared with my lines and pulled off the monologue in the first take itself.

On the same day, I had to drop the original raps I had written during my 25-day prep. By the end of day, everyone was clapping. Ranveer was so happy he gave me a hug, saying, “You are killing it on your first day bro.” We wrapped up really late, but my parents were waiting up for me at home and I narrated all that had happened through this unforgettably day, step by step. They were really proud of me.

I was very excited through the shoot, a hungry, aspiring actor who was getting a chance to perform in front of the camera. One tends to get nervous when one is not prepared or gets something sooner than he expects, but I wasn’t nervous in any scene. Ranveer and Zoya made me very comfortable. Today, I have multiple films, but the expectations are not making me stressed. I am still as excited. I will be nervous only when I come to the set under-prepared and I hope that day never comes.